Western Bulldogs defender Bailey Hunt and Adelaide midfielder Ebony Marinoff have been nominated for the inaugural AFL Women's Rising Star award.
20-year-old Hunt was a key member of the Bulldogs' defence that held Fremantle to just 12 points on Saturday night. She collected nine disposals, two clearances and laid three tackles.
Ebony Marinoff, 19, was a star in Adelaide's demolition of Greater Western Sydney, amassing 20 possessions and six tackles in their 36-point win.
She told AFL.com.au she was managed to overcome her nerves for the occasion.
"If you're not nervous there's something wrong … but you've got to put that into your game and make sure you come out firing because at the end of the day, it's just a game of footy," Marinoff said.
"The fans were bloody awesome, the atmosphere was insane and I can't wait to see where this leads."
Marinoff was the seventh selection in in last year's draft, she is focussed on her dream of one day being a professional athlete.
"To be at Thebarton Oval, have a League … with eight teams, guernseys (and) elite facilities – I didn't think it would happen," she said.
"I know one day I'll be a professional athlete, so I'll keep at it and see where it takes me."
Hunt was a later selection in the draft, being picked up at the 60th selection. She was a key part of Melbourne University's VFL Women's team last year, which made the Grand Final but lost to Darebin.
Marinoff and Hunt are the first of 14 players that will be nominated for the award. The players must be under 21 to be eligible and the winner will be announced at the end of the season.
