FREMANTLE midfielder Dana East and Western Bulldogs key forward Nell Morris-Dalton have both been recognised for their impressive performances with round nine NAB AFLW Rising Star nominations.

East burst onto the AFLW scene, having only been in the football pathways for two years after making the switch from playing basketball.

She caught the eyes of recruiters at the 2021 NAB AFLW Championships, starring for Western Australia and showcasing her clearance winning ability and ranking second for tackles overall.

The 19-year-old local product was subsequently recruited from Swan Districts with pick No.31 in the NAB 2021 AFLW Draft.

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NAB AFLW RISING STAR: Nell Morris-Dalton and Dana East star in round nine

Watch the highlights and find out why Nell Morris-Dalton and Dana East get the NAB AFLW Rising Star in Rd9

She becomes the third Docker to be recognised this season, after Sarah Verrier in round four and Mikayla Morrison in round six.

The young midfielder was one of the bright sparks in the depleted Dockers’ 88-point mauling at the hands of Melbourne. East collected 18 disposals with 10 of those being contested and laid seven tackles.

Dogs key Morris-Dalton was selected with pick No.6 in the 2019 NAB AFLW Draft after starring for the Northern Knights, kicking seven goals across two matches, and earning a spot in the 2019 NAB League Girls' Team of the Year.

The Western Bulldogs' Nell Morris-Dalton celebrates a goal during round nine, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

In her third season, the key forward developed a strong partnership in the Western Bulldogs forward line alongside superstar Bonnie Toogood, booting seven goals and providing a constant target inside 50.

The 20-year-old played an important role in the Dogs' 60-point victory over the Eagles. The forward had 12 disposals, three marks, 223-metres gained and booted two goals.

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Libby Birch and Bri Davey join Nat Edwards to dissect round nine of the NAB AFLW competition

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.  

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)
  • Round seven - Elisabeth Georgostathis (Western Bulldogs), Isabella Eddey (North Melbourne)
  • Round eight – Teah Charlton (Adelaide), Eliza James (Collingwood)
  • Round nine- Dana East (Fremantle), Nell Morris-Dalton (Western Bulldogs)

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