NORTH Melbourne forward Sam Wright is the round 21 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for his four-goal haul against West Coast on Sunday.

Wright kicked four majors from 16 disposals to celebrate Brent Harvey’s 300th AFL game with a win.

Wright has been pushing for nomination for most of the season, especially over the past few weeks where he has hit a rich vein of form.

The 20-year-old has booted 10 goals in the past three games to make him one of the most in-form young players in the AFL.

He says he is enjoying life as a forward but harbours hopes to one day take more responsibility in the middle of the ground.

“In the future I’d like to play midfield and go forward but obviously I’ve got to get stronger and work on a few areas. I definitely want to move into the midfield at some stage in my career,” Wright said.

Wright played four games for North Melbourne last year and showed glimpses of his potential without really stamping his authority on the game.

He says that the arrival of Brad Scott and the subsequent opportunities given to him have boosted his self-belief.

“I played those four games last year and I wasn’t quite sure if I was up to it or if I belonged," Wright said.

"I guess now Brad Scott has put his faith in me I am starting to feel a lot more confident that I offer something to the team."

Wright’s main impression on the AFL in his debut season was the striking resemblance both in physical appearance and game style to Collingwood’s Dale Thomas.

He says it is a comparison that did not go unnoticed by his teammates.

“A few of the boys gave it to me in my first year. I started off in the backline this year and they made me cut my hair and get the tips out of it. That’s helped me a bit,” he said.

Wright, who lives with teammates Ben Warren and Jack Ziebell says there is a real bond among North Melbourne’s younger players, but his greatest praise is directed at a player at the other end of the age in Harvey.

Wright said Sunday’s win was a fitting tribute to the most admired man at North Melbourne.

“He’s a legend of the footy club, Boomer. There is no one more respected at the club than him," Wright said. "To get that win for him was probably one of the most special days in his career.

"It shows what our club is going to achieve in the future.

“He’s the most professional at the club, not just what he does off the field but on the field, the leadership he shows to get the team up and going is unbelievable.

"He’s the kind of person who is more worried about others than himself. He’ll help you out.”