Richmond’s livewire, young forward Jason Castagna is ranked equal second among the competition’s rising star contenders for total goals this season.
Castagna, who kicked two goals in the Tigers’ three-point loss to Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium last Saturday night, has a tally of 11 after nine home-and-away rounds, just two behind the rising stars’ leading goalkicker, Brisbane’s Eric Hipwood.
The 20-year-old Tiger has scored multiple goals on three occasions in season 2017, with a best return of four against Brisbane at the Gabba in Round 4.
He is equal third on Richmond’s goalkicking alongside Daniel Rioli, 14 behind the Tigers’ top goalkicker Jack Riewoldt.
Castagna’s teammate Dan Butler, who missed the GWS clash because of a groin injury, is ranked fourth among rising stars for total goals, with nine.
That same pair is ranked first and second for total inside-50 entries among the AFL’s rising stars – Castagna has 28 and Butler 26.
To be eligible to be nominated for the AFL’s Rising Star award, a player must be younger than 21 years of age on 1 January of the award year and have played 10 or fewer senior games before the start of the season.
At this stage, neither Castagna nor Butler has received a Rising Star nomination.
