Ella Heads and Lauren Wakfer are the 2023 AFLW Rising Star nominees for round five. Picture: AFL Media

SYDNEY defender Ella Heads and West Coast ruck Lauren Wakfer have been nominated for the 2023 AFLW Rising Star award for their performances during round five.

Heads took 10 marks to go along with her 18 disposals against Carlton on Friday. She also had a game-high 380m gained against the Blues.

05:42

Swans taking strides, Blues battle, learning from Lucy

Sarah Black chats to Sydney's round five AFLW Rising Star nominee Ella Heads

This is Heads' first Rising Star nomination after she played every game in season seven, 2022.

00:56

AFLW Rising Star: Ella Heads stars in round 5

Watch the highlights and find out why Ella Heads gets the AFLW Rising Star in round 5

Wakfer was drafted to the Eagles ahead of season seven, 2022, but sat out that season due to an ACL injury.

The 19-year-old has become the Eagles' first-choice ruck this season, with Wakfer managing 14 hitouts, six clearances, seven tackles and 14 disposals against Port Adelaide on Friday night.

05:56

Wakfer on S7 lessons, Eagles gains, coaching ambitions

Sarah Black chats to West Coast's round five AFLW Rising Star nominee Lauren Wakfer

It's Wakfer's first Rising Star nomination.

00:42

AFLW Rising Star: Lauren Wakfer stars in round 5

Watch the highlights and find out why Lauren Wakfer gets the AFLW Rising Star in round 5