Austin Wonaeamirri from the Melbourne Football Club is the Round Seven NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

Austin, 19, was one of Melbourne’s best players kicking four goals in Melbourne’s six-point victory over Fremantle on Sunday at the MCG.

With seven minutes remaining Austin roved the pack perfectly to score his fourth goal and put Melbourne in front for the first time. In only his fifth AFL match, the midfielder gathered 15 possessions from the midfield and forward-line.

Austin’s celebrations were also a highlight of the round.

Coach Dean Bailey said Austin played a big part in the Demon’s break-through win.

“Austin has been very professional with the way he conducts himself and has worked really hard since arriving at Melbourne as a Rookie. He was given an opportunity in Round Three earlier this year and has grabbed it with both hands.

“Not only did Aussie’s four goals contribute to the win on Sunday, but his forward-line pressure and tackling was exceptional,” Bailey said.

From Melville Island, Austin played for St Mary’s in Darwin and Norwood in the SANFL. In 2005 he participated in the Qantas AFL KickStart camp and the following year was a member of the Flying Boomerangs that toured South Africa.

In 2007 he represented the Northern Territory in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships and was named the NT’s most valuable player. He was selection number 16 in the 2008 NAB AFL Rookie Draft. Austin was promoted off the Rookie list to replace Jack Grimes in Round Three

Austin is the third Indigenous rising star nominee this season following Josh Hill in Round Two and Cyril Rioli in Round Six.