FREMANTLE forward Mikayla Morrison capped a stunning performance in its 42-point victory with a round six NAB AFLW Rising Star nomination, while Gold Coast midfielder Ellie Hampson was also recognised.
Returning to their home ground for the first time since round two after spending 23 days in the Victorian hub, the Dockers were led by a captivating performance from 19-year-old livewire Morrison.
In only her third game, the Western Australian product showcased her exciting small forward craft by finishing with 13 disposals, four marks, five tackles and three goals.
Morrison, who was selected by the Dockers at pick 30 in the 2020 NAB AFLW Draft from Swan Districts, endured a challenging debut season after suffering from a ruptured appendix on the eve of the 2021 NAB AFLW competition.
Gold Coast midfielder Hampson was also recognised after playing an important role in the side's 11-point win over Geelong. She became the second Sun this season to be nominated, after No.1 draft pick Charlie Rowbottom back in round two.
Hampson, 21, was one of the Suns' inaugural signings back in 2019 and has finally been able to get some continuity with her body after struggling with a persistent foot injury last year.
The youngster's return to the engine room has coincided in a much-improved Suns outfit which is in the mix for finals football after claiming the wooden spoon last season. The contested midfielder demonstrated this with an impressive performance collecting 16 disposals, laying six tackles, and kicking an important goal right before three-quarter time.
Players are eligible for the NAB AFLW Rising Star if they are 21 years and under as of January 1, 2022, and have not been previously nominated.
Two players will be nominated per home and away round of the NAB AFLW season.
2022 NAB AFLW RISING STAR NOMINEES
- Round one - Georgie Prespakis (Geelong), Mia King (North Melbourne)
- Round two - Charlie Rowbottom (Gold Coast), Alyssa Bannan (Melbourne)
- Round three - Zimmorlei Farquharson (Brisbane), Megan Fitzsimon (Melbourne)
- Round four - Keeley Sherar (Carlton), Sarah Verrier (Fremantle)
- Round five - Mimi Hill (Carlton), Montana McKinnon (Adelaide)
- Round six – Mikayla Morrison (Fremantle), Ellie Hampson (Gold Coast
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