Probably deserves a nom based on consistent contributions over the year.
So far he has the most SuperCoach& DT scores for the round too which gives a rough indication of his overall performance.
Archer May might be close too along with Tauru, Shanahan, Ethan Read. Maybe Zac Johnson if he can line up some 20+ possession games.
I reckon Isaac had a great game because Gresham was the sub, which was maybe the reason he was more up the ground than usual - where he belongs.
Tippa started like that. I suspect he was told to start kicking them yourself.
Best game for the club, glad to see him get some reward for effort today. Itâs so close to really coming together for him. I just love his balance, he has pace and power and and clean hands, he just doesnât go to ground. Love to see that in a small forward.
RISING STAR YEAH
Isaac Kako has earned the round 17 Telstra Rising Star nomination for his career-high 17-disposal, five-tackle performance against the SUNS.
The 19-year-old was lively right from the opening bounce on Saturday, rewarded for his tenacious pressure and impact up the ground by getting on the end of a scoring opportunity early in the third term.
As the Clubâs fourth nominee for the award this season (joining Archie Roberts, Nate Caddy and Angus Clarke), Essendon have now recorded the AFLâs highest amount of nominations in a single season since 2016, highlighting the impact of their youth in this campaign.
The four nominations are also the Clubâs most in a single season since it had five with the âBaby Bombersâ of 1993, the year the award was first introduced.
Kako is one of just eight Dons to feature in all 15 games so far this year, with his forward pressure and glimpses of brilliance in front of goal seeing him earmarked as a key component of the Clubâs future.
âMy first year in the system has been really enjoyable and it does feel great to receive some recognition with the nom,â Kako said.
âI feel as though Iâve been putting together a pretty solid body of work across the season so far and Iâm getting some reward for effort - getting to do it alongside this group of boys has made it an even better experience. Weâve got so much young talent on board at the moment and the fans should be very excited about the opportunities thatâll create for us.
âJoining Nate, âRobboâ and âPupâ as a nominee is a pretty nice touch. Iâm keen to keep getting out there with those lads in the back end of the year.â
Kako and the Dons take on another young side in the form of Richmond at the MCG on Saturday night, seeking their first win since the corresponding Dreamtime fixture back in round 11.
Isaac Kako v Gold Coast
More than 22% of the 2025 rising star cohort play for Essendon.
I know many do it but this club will do anything (even on a celebratory social media post) to sell some merchandise hey?
Well done Isaac.
Yeah, real gotcha moment right there.
This is just like 1993 but with none of the leadership of the 1980s stars.
Could have another one in Archer May if he kicks a bag against Richmond
Both May and Johnson are decent enough chances (the AFL will be keen to give Tauru and probably Stevens the nod first).
Awesome effort Kako! This will really help his confidence 
Surely means we win the Rising Team award
As we know, the AFL loves a story and will do their best to manufacture an outcome.
Injury ravaged Essendon are playing a heap of kids and getting noms for fun.
What better story than through the wreckage of this season an Essendon player wins the RS, with Roberts and Caddy the best chances.
Oh hey!!! I thought he was an outside chance but thatâs amazing - our fourth nom this year
Stevens probably had the best game of the un-nominated kids if were honest. But very glad to see our boy get the nod. Hes earned it after weeks of doing the un-sexy football stuff.
Continues to run hard, chase and pressure opponents, tackle, find a teammate to keep the ball moving when he does get the ball. He also looks like hes fitting in with the club nicely. And theres definitely a strong connection with his boy Nate.
Roberts please. Iâve got money on him.
Pretty standard socials practice in licensed merch for sports clubs. Nothing wrong with thatâŚ
Im pretty sure they do it for almost every post. Its not an issue at all. Football clubs try to make money. Who would have thought?
