Teenage ruckman Brayden Crossley has become Gold Coast’s first NEAFL Rising Star nominee of the 2016 season after showing his potential against the Giants on Saturday.

At just 16, Crossley already stands at 197cm and was handed the task of competing against AFL-listed duo Tom Downie (201cm) and Dawson Simpson (210cm) in the ruck during their clash at Spotless Stadium.

The Queensland Under-18s representative proved handy around the ground, collecting 21 disposals, 17 hit-outs and five inside 50s to be among the Suns’ best in a 71-point loss.

A local Gold Coast product, Crossley has been a member of the SUNS Academy since his early teens, where his football knowledge and aggression around the contests has put him in good stead.

SUNS Academy Manager, Jason Torney, said the young prodigy has a bright future.

“His football knowledge is excellent in terms of where he positions himself and what he needs to do on the field,” he said.

“Being big early, he knows how to use his body, and aggression is key to how he plays the game.

“We were all a little bit nervous going into the game, because it is a heavy burden to ruck against two big AFL-listed ruckman.

“Sometimes kids get exposed and struggle, but some come in and jump up another level and be able to compete, and that’s what he has been able to do. It’s an excellent trait to have.”

The Rising Star is awarded to the most promising young talent in the NEAFL competition.

Nominees must be under the age of 21 and played less than 20 senior games at the start of the 2016 season.