AFL draft prospect Brydan Hodgson has been awarded the round 12 NEAFL Rising Star nomination in just his second NEAFL game.
The Eastlake player made his debut in the Demons' round 11 win over the Brisbane Lions before travelling to Darwin to face NT Thunder last Saturday.
Despite a 67-point loss, the 19-year-old was a shining light for Eastlake with 30 disposals, nine marks and five clearances to be one of his side's best players.
The Albury teenager moved to Canberra this year so he could represent the ACT Rams in the TAC Cup, and said it had been a challenging year.
"It's good to get some recognition and gives you a bit of confidence, but there is still a lot of games to go," he said.
"The physicality of the NEAFL is the biggest challenge and getting used to the bigger bodies, especially playing through the midfield."