Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce Aaron Francis is the Round 22 NAB AFL Rising Star.

Francis received the recognition after he produced a strong performance in the Bombers loss to Richmond.

In only his ninth senior AFL game, the defender finished with 13 disposals and eight marks.

Francis said he was starting to build confidence and consistency in his game.

“Going on last week, I was quite happy, the first three games were a bit shaky, I thought, but I am starting to feel more comfortable at senior level, playing my role for the team,” Francis said.

“On the weekend I thought I was playing the way that I want to play.

“I had pretty challenging match-ups – I was on Dusty Martin there for a little bit – but I thought I held my ground for most of the night.

“I see my strengths as my kicking and marking, I’d like to make those a real weapon of mine going forward.”

Senior Coach, John Worsfold, said he was pleased with Francis’ performance against Richmond.

“We have always known Aaron is a very good player and that is beginning to show. He showed some brilliant contested marking against the Tigers,” Worsfold said.

“He is working really hard on all aspects of his football and wellbeing to become the player he knows he can be and that we want him to be.

“Aaron has a long career ahead and with hard work he’s going to be a great player.”

Francis said he is now in “a very good space” after missing the first half of the 2018 season.

“I am in a very good space now after a lot of help from teammates and staff members around here,” Francis said.

“I really thank the teammates around me, especially the younger boys, I feel like we’ve created a great bond together.

“I’m really proud of myself for one, and proud of them.

“The club has been very supportive, they helped me put a few things in place that would help me get back to playing footy and enjoying footy again.

“I am loving my time at the Bombers, I’ve had a lot of help from my teammates and staff at the club and they have supported me through the challenging periods

“The time I spent away from the club was the best thing for me and I’m really thankful to everyone at the club for giving me that time.

“I’m really love my time here at Essendon and do see my future here.”