As part of our 2026 BFNL Rising Star Award presented by Bart n Print, we are going through each Club's nominees and next is Gisborne FNC.
The Bulldogs have nominated Will Elliot and Lucas Hannon as their football nominees and Nirvana Martin & Phoebe Priest as their netballers.
Nirvana Martin
Phoebe Priest
Phoebe has emerged as one of Gisborne's most exciting young attacking prospects, combining exceptional shooting accuracy with outstanding leadership and composure.
A strong holding shooter, Priest presents consistently, creates reliable options in attack and is renowned for her ability to convert accurately from long range, even under intense pressure.
Her excellent ball handling, precise passing and ability to read the play allow her to create scoring opportunities for both herself and her teammates, while her strong communication and on-court leadership make her an influential presence in the goal circle.
Phoebe's talent has been recognised through selection in the Victorian Top 50 Under 17 Squad in 2025 and the Melbourne University Lightning VNL Academy, before progressing to the Western Warriors VNL Reserves in 2026.
Her continued development at the representative level highlights her outstanding potential and bright future in the game.
Lucas Hannon
Lucas has continued to develop into one of Gisborne's most exciting young footballers, using his elite skills and athleticism to make an impact across half-forward and the midfield.
Currently excelling as an outside midfielder and forward, Hannon combines a penetrating kick with outstanding lateral movement and speed, while showing all the attributes to develop into a damaging inside midfielder as his experience grows.
His ability to win the ball, use it effectively and hit the scoreboard has made him a key contributor for the Bulldogs.
Lucas' impressive junior career includes finishing as Gisborne's Under 18 Leading Goal Kicker in 2024 before backing it up in 2025 as runner-up in the Under 18 Best and Fairest while again claiming the club's leading goal-kicking honours.
Will Elliot
Will has established himself as one of Gisborne's most dependable young defenders, earning a reputation for his courage, competitiveness and ability to shut down dangerous opponents.
A small defender who thrives in one-on-one contests, Elliot combines outstanding pace with fearless aerial ability, allowing him to win the ball in defence before launching attacking chains with his run and carry.
His composure and determination have made him a valuable member of the Bulldogs' backline, while his leadership qualities were recognised through his appointment as vice-captain of the 2026 BFNL Under 18 Interleague team.
Will's football journey has also included selection in the AFL Victoria Metro Junior Development Series as a representative of the Riddell District Football Netball League in 2022, 2023 and 2024
