BFNL Rising Star Award - Castlemaine FNC Nominees
As part of our 2026 BFNL Rising Star Award presented by Bart n Print, we are going through each Club's nominees and next is Castlemaine FNC.
Castlemaine has nominated Ben Jardine & Oscar Giddings as their football nominees and Ella Rixon & Olivia Henderson as their netballers.
Ella Rixon
Ella has developed into a dependable and highly respected young player through her outstanding work ethic, selflessness and team-first attitude.
Always willing to step up wherever needed, whether filling a role in the senior grades or supporting her teammates, Rixon's commitment to both her club and her own development has been a standout.
As captain of Castlemaine's 17 & Under team and a member of the Castlemaine District Netball Association Junior Development Squad, she has demonstrated strong leadership qualities and continues to build an exciting future in the game.
Olivia Henderson
Olivia has become a valued young talent through her versatility, leadership and selfless approach to the game.
Quick across the court with an excellent ability to read the play, Henderson transitions seamlessly from a tight defensive role into attack, where her accurate shooting and strong connection with teammates make her a consistent performer around the goal ring.
A respected club member, she regularly puts the needs of her team ahead of her own, often sacrificing her preferred position to ensure all sides are fielded.
Her contribution was recognised as part of Castlemaine's A Reserve runner-up Best & Fairest in 2025, and she continues to demonstrate the qualities of an emerging leader within the club.
Ben Jardine
Ben has continued to develop into a reliable and influential young footballer, making his mark as both a midfielder and running half back.
Known for his work rate, composure and ability to provide drive from defence, Jardine has become an important contributor for Castlemaine through his consistency and commitment.
A proud product of the Magpies, he has played more than 140 games across the club's junior and senior programs, highlighting his loyalty, experience and strong connection to the club while continuing to build an exciting future at senior level.
His development was further recognised through selection in the BFNL Under 18 Interleague team, and he continues to build an exciting future at senior level.
Oscar Giddings
Oscar has established himself as one of Castlemaine's emerging young leaders through his athleticism, clean skills and outstanding football intelligence.
A midfielder with an excellent ability to read the play, Giddings combines strong leadership with a team-first attitude, making him a highly respected figure both on and off the field.
His impressive junior career includes the 2024 BJFL Under 16 Division 1 League Best and Fairest, captaincy of the club's Under 16 side in 2024, the Castlemaine Under 18 Best and Fairest in 2025 and appointment as Under 18 co-captain in 2026.
He has also been involved in the Bendigo Pioneers program, training on in 2025 and completing the 2026 pre-season, while earning selection in the 2026 BFNL Under 18 Interleague team.
