Essendon’s Tayte Pears has capped off an impressive home and away season by finishing third in today’s Rising Star awards.

The 19-year-old played in all 22 games for the Bombers this season, forming an integral part of Essendon’s young backline and has thrived on intense duels with some of the game’s best forwards including Justin Koschitzke and Cameron Mooney.

“I am pretty happy with today’s result but I guess I was fairly pleased with my year as a whole and this has just made it that little bit better,” Pears said.

“I don’t really like looking at individual achievements too much but I guess it is good to get a little bit of recognition for your work. I am more worried about the team and getting a win this weekend.

“It was a pretty tough year but in saying that I have really enjoyed it and it has been a great challenge. I’m pretty happy with how it has gone.

“In pre-season I didn’t know if I would be playing AFL or VFL football this season after a few set-backs but getting up and being able to play the whole year out has been great.”

Pears finished with 28 votes behind Brisbane’s Daniel Rich who claimed the honours with 45 votes, and Adelaide’s Andy Otten who finished with 30 votes.

The 191cm West Australian will be further rewarded for his efforts with a finals berth against Adelaide at AAMI stadium this Friday night – a challenge he is looking forward to.

“I’m very excited to play in my first final this weekend. I think for a lot of blokes it is pretty exciting so I can’t wait,” Pears said.

“It is something that you wouldn’t really imagine. When you get drafted you are just looking to play your first game but I suppose when I look back at the year now, I am pretty happy to get the Rising Star nomination and to be playing in finals is just a bonus again.

“Finals football is what you play for and that’s what we are here for – we are trying to push towards a Premiership – and it will be good to see how far we can go this year.”