MELBOURNE has been further rewarded for its stunning come-from-behind win over Fremantle, with elevated rookie Austin Wonaeamirri winning the NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for round seven.

Wonaeamirri, 19, was playing in just his fifth senior game on Sunday, and picked up 15 disposals and booted four goals in the Demons' courageous six-point win at the MCG. He also snared the major that put his side in front with seven minutes remaining.

The former rookie joined the club via the 2008 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, when he was selected with pick No. 19.

Wonaeamirri made his debut in round three after officially finding himself upgraded to senior status when the club shifted fellow youngster Jack Grimes to the long-term injury list ahead of round four.

He had 16 touches in his first game, which was against Geelong, and has held his spot in the side ever since. An average of 12.6 possessions a game has followed, and the impressive small forward has slotted nine goals in five matches.

He also showed off his love of tackling in round five against Carlton with seven, and demonstrated his ability to find the right position on Sunday with eight marks.

Originally from the Northern Territory, Wonaeamirri hails from an island off the coast of Darwin called Melville Island, or Snake Bay, as it is known to locals. He grew up in a small community called Milikapiti, and played for St Marys as a junior.

"Growing up as a kid, we didn't use boots so when I was about four, I just used to kick around in bare feet," Wonaeamirri told 3AW after Sunday's win.

"When I went to primary school there, I went barefoot. We used to kick bottles around sometimes. It's good fun, kicking with bare feet."

He went on to play senior football for Norwood in the SANFL last year while he continued to fulfil a role for the Northern Territory Thunder at the same time. He was also voted the most valuable player for the NT Under 18 side at the championships last year.

Wonaeamirri is the third Aboriginal player to be nominated for this year's prize, and joins Bachar Houli (Essendon), Josh Hill (Western Bulldogs), Rhys Palmer (Fremantle), Kieren Jack (Sydney), Ben McKinley (West Coast) and Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn) as contenders.