NEWLY-CROWNED NAB AFL Rising Star Rhys Palmer didn't have to look far for advice on how to handle his big day out on Wednesday.

Fremantle teammate Paul Hasleby became the first player from the club to win the prize in 2000 and, before Palmer travelled to Melbourne to attend the annual function, he asked him on how he should cope with the occasion.

"Haso gave me some advice and told me about his day when he won it. He's a good bloke, and a good guy," Palmer said, after receiving the medal.

"He's a great player and to be put in the same sentence as him is a great honour.

"Before the season, it wasn't about how many games I was going to play; I just wanted to really learn and develop my game and if I could play five games, I would be really happy."

It's been a year of mixed emotions for Palmer, given Fremantle's struggles and the mid-season retirement of popular veteran Peter Bell, which heaped responsibility on the talented ball-winner.

He said focusing on his role and a continued commitment to his preparations and contribution was how he countered tight-checking opponents.

"When Belly left, I was pretty disappointed, not just with being tagged, but because he's a great player," Palmer said.

"With him leaving, I really did start to get a bit more attention during the games.

"We've still got some good players like Josh Carr, who's a premiership player, and Byron Schammer and some good young boys in there.

"I wouldn't say that I was feeling any pressure because I knew I wasn't alone out there."

Looking ahead, Palmer said he'll use the off-season to improve his physical presence, which will be high on the agenda once his injured foot heals.

The 19-year-old attended Wednesday's function aided by crutches, after tearing a muscle in his foot during the final stages of Fremantle's round 22 victory over Collingwood.

"I'll have a couple of weeks off and get the foot right, and then straight back into pre-season training," he said.

"I really want to get bigger and stronger and faster, so I'll really work harder over pre-season and hopefully next year we can really make something happen."