First gamer Moniz Wakefield grabs a Rising Star nomination in his first trip the big stage

Nightcliff’s Rising Star drought has ended with 17-year-old Moniz Wakefield winning the Round 9 nomination in his first game of league football

Nightcliff first gamer Andy Moniz Wakefield goes long against the Tiwi Bombers. Picture: Aaron Black AFLNT/ Media

PREMIER League first gamers have a habit of making an impression in their first trip to centre stage and Nightcliff’s Andy Moniz Wakefield has joined the queue.

The 17-year-old wingman is the Round 9 nomination for the $500 NT News Rising Star, an award that has been won by several future stars of the Territory game.

Dogged by a knee injury last season after impressing in the under-18 and Division 1 grades, Moniz Wakefield has finally reached league level.

His 12 possessions (seven kicks and five handballs), four marks and two tackles against the fleet footed Tiwis stamped him as a long-term prospect at Nightcliff.

Dual Tigers premiership coach Chris Baksh is a big fan of the youngster.

‘It’s no secret Andy had his disappointments last season with knee issues causing several disruptions and blocking his path to league football,’’ Baksh said.

“But the answer for him was to work hard at his game and eventually force his way into the league side, factors he has achieved.’’

Baksh placed Moniz Wakefield on a wing and liked what he saw .

“He was hard at the contests, smart with his disposal and clean with his kicking and handballing which is all you ask of a midfielder,’’ Baksh said.