HAMILTON’S Riley Alexander has been rewarded for his stellar Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) Division 4 season with La Trobe University receiving the VAFA Men’s Rising Star nomination for round nine.

The Rising Star Award nominations nearly always go to players in Premier A, B and C competitions and club president, Andrew Sutherland said he couldn’t recall the last time a player from any club in any of the lower divisions was nominated for the accolade.

Alexander earnt the nomination in La Trobe University’s 56-point win over Box Hill North on Saturday where he snagged three goals, along with 16 disposals and eight marks.

‘The Wiz’ as he is known at the club, has kicked 36 goals in seven games this season, including a bag of 10 against Swinburne University – he leads his nearest competitor in the Division Four goalkicking by 10.

Alexander said he was back in Hamilton for the long weekend, so didn’t find out the news at training like his other teammates.

“I got a call from our coach Rick (Nolan) later that night letting me know which was pretty cool … it’s a massive surprise and honour,” the 19-year-old said.

“Rick mentioned that it rarely goes to a player in the lower divisions, so I was really proud when I heard that and happy to get the club’s name out there.”

The Trobers are flying in Division Four of the VAFA with a season record of 6-1, and have their eyes set on going deep into September.

“It’s a great platform to build off … we’ve played some great team footy so far, so hopefully we can get that ultimate success come September,” he said.

“I’ve been fairly happy (individually), I love kicking and contributing to goals so that aspect of the season has been pleasing.”

A statement from La Trobe University said his “energy, desperation and freakish ability to win the ball are inspirational”.

“Riley made a great start with La Trobe in 2021, placing second in our Senior Men’s goal kicking in a Covid shortened season … this year he has continued that form” the statement read.

“After a solid pre-season and adding a kilo or two, he has matured into a key forward, consistently creating opportunities for team mates as well as adding to his own goal tally.”

Alexander is averaging 20 disposals per game this season playing as a key forward, he is a nightmare match-up for opposition defenders taking an average of eight marks per game.

“There’s something really special about playing with all your mates who you’re living on residence with, as well as the older guys who were often in the same position a few years ago,” he said.

“The Hamilton Kangaroos will always be my home club, but my two years at La Trobe so far have been heaps of fun.”