THE 2010 NAB AFL Rising Star should come from a field of six contenders when he's announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Tom Scully (Melbourne)
Nominated: Round seven v Western Bulldogs
Being the No.1 draft pick is often a cross to bear but the precocious Demon showed he was more than comfortable with the intense spotlight that comes with being the country's highest-rated youngster. Scully only missed one game as he quickly established himself as a vital part of Melbourne's side, both in the midfield and across half-back. His best game came in round seven against the Western Bulldogs where he gathered 39 possessions. Of all the youngsters recruited by the Demons in the past few seasons, Scully seems to be the brightest hope.

Ryan Bastinac (North Melbourne)
Nominated: Round three v West Coast
Bastinac was among the most consistent of the year's nominees. The former Dandenong Stingray received his nomination in round three for his tagging role on Eagles ball-winners Daniel Kerr and Matthew Priddis and never looked back. He quickly became a vital part of North Melbourne's midfield. Bastinac's 20-possession, three-goal game against Fremantle in round 19 was probably his most outstanding performance of the season. He's likely to finish in the top three and could take the prize.

Daniel Hannebery (Sydney Swans)
Nominated: Round two v Adelaide
After playing seven games in 2009 while still based in Melbourne, Hannebery relished his first season as a full-time footballer. His pace up and down the wings was a highlight for the Swans, as was as his endurance, ability to win the ball and disposal by foot. In a pretty even field, he is the bookies' favourite take out the award. Hannebery managed to sneak under the radar for a while but the football world took notice when he collected 25 touches and kicked three goals against Hawthorn in round 10.

Tom Rockliff (Brisbane Lions)
Nominated: Round 13 v Richmond
After playing one game in 2009, he well and truly established himself this season. Earned his nomination after gathering 26 touches in round 13 against Richmond, however his consistency throughout the year was so strong that it could have come sooner. Rockliff didn't find his way into the team until round three but he played every game from there, floating between the midfield and the forward line.

Ben Reid (Collingwood)
Nominated: Round 12 v Melbourne
With eight games to his name and at 20 years of age, he only just scraped in under the criteria for the award. But his nomination was more than justified by the run and dash he showed in his 17 games for the Magpies. He lost his spot towards the end of the year in what was a powerful and deep Collingwood side, but was recalled on the eve of the finals. Reid may not take out the trophy but definitely proved he has a future at the level.

Jack Trengove (Melbourne)
Nominated: Round five v Brisbane Lions
Arrived at the Demons seemingly in the shadow of No.1 draft pick Tom Scully but quickly carved out his own reputation for his poise around the contests. Injury forced him out of the side for three weeks late in the year, but he had averaged close to 20 touches and definitely has bigger things ahead of him in 2011. Trengove collected 24 touches in the game that earned his nomination.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.

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