Lewis Taylor’s proved a popular winner of the 2014 NAB AFL Rising Star award.

Taylor’s triumph saw him trending on Twitter within minutes of being announced as the season’s best young talent, while his phone buzzed constantly throughout the evening with countless congratulatory messages.

It’s been a whirlwind 12 months for the 19-year-old, who has certainly made quite an impression on everyone at the Brisbane Lions.

He has already become somewhat of a cult figure among Lions fans, who have warmed as quickly to Taylor’s exciting style of play and he has to his new surrounds in Brisbane.

Taylor has also given fans a glimpse into his personality, courtesy of his appearances on Lions TV with fellow ‘Mozzie Squad’ members Josh Green and Dayne Zorko.

Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch commented earlier in the season on Taylor’s terrific attitude and ability to seamlessly adapt to his new environment.

“He’s always been the same since he walked in. He’s a buzzy little bee, he’s happy, he’s a carefree kid,” Leppitsch said.

“Very few people are the same to everybody, to the coach, the rookie, the CEO or whoever. He’s got that ability. He’s comfortable with himself and the environment.

“He’s unbelievable, actually. He’s a very resilient kid.”

There are more than a few parallels between Taylor and the recently retired ‘Peoples Champion’ Jonathan Brown – notwithstanding the fact that the 2014 Rising Star is more than 20cm shorter than the three-time premiership centre half-forward.

Taylor and Brown both plied their trade in the Hampden League as juniors, and boast the same type of ‘knockabout’ personality that endears them towards the masses.

Geelong Falcons Manager Michael Turner has overseen the development of countless stars from the TAC Cup football program – including Brown – and rates Taylor up there with the best of them.

“He's independent and he's a resilient sort of kid. He’s self-motivated, Lewy. He looks after himself,” Turner said.

“He's such a popular person, he's got this bubbly, infectious personality and it's impossible not to take an instant liking to him.

“People love him and he's done most of this himself, but I reckon there's a long list of people who would do anything for him.”