IT SHAPES as being one of the tightest races in history for the NAB AFL Rising Star Award but Hawthorn backman Ryan Burton was the short-priced favourite when betting closed.  

The market shut on Monday, when the judges cast their votes, and CrownBet had Burton as a $1.40 favourite.

Essendon defender Andrew McGrath, who was drafted with the No.1 selection last year, was at $3.25, followed by Port Adelaide brute Sam Powell-Pepper at $6.  

Exciting Carlton forward Charlie Curnow was on the fourth line of betting at $7.50.  

Every other player had blown out to $101 or greater.  

Burton lined up in 20 matches this season and averaged 21 disposals per game. His composure and class in defence was highlighted in a phenomenal performance against Adelaide in round 14, when he blanketed Crows captain Taylor Walker and booted two critical goals himself to help the Hawks pinch a stunning win on the road.  

He was drafted at No.19 in 2015.  

McGrath's surety and speed out of defence has been one of the shining lights for the seventh-placed Essendon, and he averaged 20 disposals from his 20 games.

He was regularly assigned big jobs, such as being asked to quell superstar Crow Eddie Betts in round 21, a job he did with aplomb.  

The sheer strength of Powell-Pepper has allowed him to slot straight into the Port midfield and make an impact. His power was demonstrated by his ranking of No.2 in the broken tackles category, with 24, behind only Richmond onballer Dustin Martin (68).  

Drafted at No.18 last year, the West Australian averaged 17 disposals from his 21 matches.  

After a slow start, Curnow's sheer athleticism and marking made him a contender to take out the award. He finished 15th in the AFL for total contested marks despite being in just his second year, after he was drafted with the No.12 selection in 2015.  

Curnow slotted at least one goal in each of his past 11 matches – no mean feat while playing in attack for the lowest-scoring side in the competition.