Another Rising Star nomination for Tiwi young gun Jeffrey Simon as his career moves a step higher

RISING Star nominations have become a habit for Tiwi Bombers young gun Jeffrey Simon

Jeffrey Simon gets set to fire out a handpass despite the close attention of Nightcliff's Brodie Filo. Picture: Tymunna Clements, AFLNT Media.

RISING Star nominations have become a habit for Tiwi Bomber Jeffrey Simon.

The 17-year-old has impressed with his work on the inside and clean use of the football since his Premier League debut at age 15.

The son of the Tiwi Bombers’ inaugural captain Thomas Simon was at it again on Saturday when he won the Round 2 nomination for the 2019-20 NT News Rising Star.

Given a high half forward role by coaches Shane Tipuamantimirri and Jamie Scrymgour, Simon was at his ball hunting best.

Always strong on the inside, this year’s Territory Thunder debutant showed another string to his bow with his ability to read the play and distribute it to teammates.

In a game where the Bombers were jumped by reigning premier Nightcliff in the first quarter, it was Simon rotating between half forward and half back, Harley Puruntatameri in a similar role and defenders Adam Tipungwuti and Jason Puruntatameri who brought them back.

The Tiwis’ general manager Leigh Crossman, the club’s 2011-12 premiership coach, is a big fan of Simon’s work on and off the football.

“Jeffrey brings a lot to this footy club with his ability to find the footy and do something with it,’’ Crossman said.

“He’s not afraid to get the footy on the inside and when he’s got it in his hands teammates around him will generally end up with it.

“Jeffrey relocated back home to Bathurst from school in Adelaide about 12 months ago and we’re looking at him becoming a leader at the footy club.’’

Nightcliff’s Tyson Kidney was another standout in Saturday’s clash at TIO Stadium, while Buffalo pair Antonio James and Aaron Stokes impressed in their side’s win over Palmerston.