Essendon’s season has ended on a positive note with a win over Collingwood and Orazio Fantasia picking up the final AFL Rising Star nomination of the year.

The South Australian was recruited from Norwood with the 55^th pick in the 2013 National Draft. 

He played three games late last season but had to wait until midway through 2015 to get another crack.

The 19 year old showed promise against Geelong and West Coast before spending more time on the sidelines.

“I had a little quad strain which kept me out for seven weeks after West Coast,” he said. 

“I thought I’ve bounced back quite well and ended up playing the last three games.”

Two last quarter goals against Gold Coast demonstrated Fantasia’s ability and he further showcased his talent against Collingwood, amassing 27 possessions. 

He also had a hand in the final goal of the match as his link-up play set up Heath Hocking’s match winner. 

“That’s my attributes – my speed and agility, that’s what I bring to the table.  I’m not really the big in and under type of footballer,” Fantasia said.

“Hopefully I’ll continue my role at half-back and really take on the game and as I get bigger and grow my body hopefully go through the midfield a little bit as well.”

Fantasia’s focus now turns to the VFL where he hopes to play a part in the finals series. 

“Hopefully we can beat Footscray on the weekend which would be very nice,” he said. 

"This week is important with recovery and then get up for Saturday’s game and hopefully we can win and keep progressing forward.”