CARLTON defender Billy Wilson is this week’s Telstra AFL Rising Star nominee.
Wilson joins teammates Jagga Smith, Harry Dean and Talor Byrne as Carlton’s four 2026 nominees, the most of any club this year.
Today’s announcement is recognition for a consistent output this season, which has seen Wilson accumulate 21 disposals or higher on eight occasions, with a season average of 19.9 disposals at 80 per cent disposal efficiency across 15 games at the highest level.
Swapping to the No.15 guernsey this year, the 21-year-old was recruited to the Blues with pick No.34 in the 2023 AFL Draft.
After spending his opening two seasons in the reserves honing his craft, he earned his first of AFL football last year, running out in Round 16 against Port Adelaide.
Since playing his first game of this season in Round 9, Wilson has played 15 consecutive games at AFL level.
Regarded for his speed and penetrating right-foot kick, the Mornington Peninsula local has impressed off half-back, with the likes of new recruit Ollie Florent taking him under his wing.
Wilson is one of seven Rising Star nominees for Carlton since Round 10 last year, having also recently re-committed to the Blues for another two years.
AFL Senior Coach Josh Fraser praised Wilson’s body of work to date, saying today’s nomination is a much-deserved reward for the emerging defender.
“Billy's Rising Star nomination is thoroughly deserved and a reflection of the consistency he's shown across the season,” Fraser said.
“His composure under pressure and read of the game from half-back have stood out to us this year, and it's fantastic to see that recognised.
“Billy has a real hunger to get better, he is someone who shows genuine dedication to develop, so to see him make the most of every opportunity at AFL level has been fantastic.
"To have four players nominated for the Rising Star this year speaks volumes about the depth of talent coming through at the Club, and we’re excited to see what continues to be ahead for Billy in the Navy Blue.”
