By Kevin Bartlett

Now, in recent weeks AFL football has been in the spotlight with the Ben Cousins drug documentary, and this week Travis Tuck became the first player to receive three strikes under the league's illicit drug policy.

Negative stuff for the game.

Now, yesterday was a big positive.

Dan Hannebery won the NAB Rising Star, and football can be proud of the way he conducted himself after being announced as the winner.

In front of a packed Crown Casino the young man was simply outstanding in his acceptance speech.

First he answered questions from the MC, Stephen Quartermain, and then took to the microphone to give his thanks and recognition to those who had helped him to yesterday's award.

He even had the presence of mind to thank Andrea Evans in the room, who's husband, Ron, the award is named after.

The Sydney Football Club can be proud of their player, and so can the AFL.

The game is in good hands.