ADELAIDE

Best chance: Matt Crouch

The younger brother of emerging star Brad, Matt is an inside beast in the making. Having only recently turned 20 he's already he's an elite force in the SANFL and regularly chalks up huge disposal numbers, many of which come from contested situations. Crouch is also a clearance king and appears the heir to Scott Thompson's claim as the club's prime inside man. Given Thompson's current form, though, Crouch could find it hard to push into the side.

Other contenders: Jake Kelly (two games), Charlie Cameron (10), Jake Lever (nil).

Past winners: Daniel Talia (2012) - Harry Thring

BRISBANE LIONS

Best chance: Tom Cutler

With one year already in the system, the rebounding half-back played his first game of 2014 on Sunday and gave a glimpse into his talent. Cutler overcame some early turnovers to finish with 32 disposals and be among the Lions' best. He is a beautiful fluent mover who can break lines with his pace and should be given plenty of games this year.

Other contenders: Daniel McStay (13 games); Nick Robertson (nine); Jono Freeman (four)

Past winners: Nathan Buckley (1993); Chris Scott (1994); Daniel Rich (2009); Lewy Taylor (2014) - Michael Whiting

CARLTON

Best chance: Patrick Cripps

After an injury-interrupted debut season in 2014 Cripps is starting to show why he was taken as the Blues’ first-round selection in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft. He earned a nomination for the NAB AFL Rising Star after a superb display in Carlton’s opening win of the season against St Kilda on Anzac Day. The inside midfielder needs to work on his kicking, but wins plenty of contested ball, uses it well by hand and is a ferocious tackler.

Other contenders: Nick Graham (10 games), Kristian Jaksch (eight), Ciaran Byrne (one)

Past winners: Nil - Howard Kotton

COLLINGWOOD

Best chance: Tim Broomhead

Many would automatically plump for prized draftee , but the impressive Broomhead has started the season well with good performances against Adelaide (20 possessions, including 11 contested, four clearances and a goal) and particularly St Kilda (22 possessions, including 12 contested, six clearances and a goal). The South Australian is hard, quick and smart, with clean hands and ample goal sense. A future star who has improved his endurance to become more of a midfielder who can go forward.

Other contenders: Jordan De Goey (one game), Jackson Ramsay (six) Nathan Freeman (yet to debut), Matt Scharenberg (yet to debut), Darcy Moore (yet to debut)

Past winners: Nil - Ben Collins

ESSENDON

Best chance: Martin Gleeson

Gleeson made his debut last year and played nine games for the season, making him still eligible for this year's award. He has featured in all four games so far this year and continues to show exciting signs as a running half-back with good speed, evasive skills and composure. The 19-year-old had 20 disposals against Collingwood last week, and although he still is wiry, isn't afraid to put himself in harm's way or to take on the game. With Zach Merrett and Joe Daniher nominated for the Rising Star last year, and both already having played too many games to be eligible for this year's award, Gleeson looks the most likely of the young Bombers.

Other contenders: Will Hams (three games), Kyle Langford (yet to debut), Jayden Laverde (yet to debut)

Past winners: Dyson Heppell (2011) - Callum Twomey

• Check out 2015's nominees at the NAB AFL Rising Star hub

• How is the Rising Star decided and who is eligible?

FREMANTLE

Best chance: Connor Blakely

The Freo team is very hard to break into at the moment and it is unlikely too many chances are going to be given to the youngsters. However, Blakely is the most likely to force his way in and perhaps be a Rising Star contender. The midfielder has been likened to David Mundy and has been racking up possessions in the WAFL. He played in the NAB Challenge and more than held his own. He could also contend next season if he does not play enough games this year.

Other contenders: Michael Apeness (two games), Lachie Weller (yet to debut), Alex Pearce (yet to debut), Brady Grey (yet to debut)

Past winners: Paul Hasleby (2000), Rhys Palmer (2008) - Alex Malcolm

GEELONG

Best chance: Nakia Cockatoo

Cockatoo has started his four-game AFL career in measured fashion but there is little doubt about his talent. The No.10 pick from the 2014 NAB AFL Draft exhibited his electrifying speed and agility in the NAB Challenge and it is only a matter of time before he does it in the season proper. The 18-year-old started as the substitute in two of Geelong's games so far this season but the Cats are likely to give him plenty of opportunities as part of his development this year.

Other contenders: Jed Bews (seven games), Cory Gregson (four), Darcy Lang (five), Jackson Thurlow (12 games)

Past winners: Joel Selwood (2007) - Ben Guthrie

GOLD COAST

Best chance: Touk Miller

The young small forward has been one of the most impressive Suns in their disappointing start to the season. Miller is not overly flashy but builds his game on hard work with a hunger for defence in the forward 50. He can spend small stints in the midfield and had 22 disposals against GWS at the weekend. Should play plenty of games and already looks comfortable at the level.

Other contenders: Jarrod Garlett (four games); Adam Saad (four)

Past winners: Jaeger O'Meara (2013) - Michael Whiting

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

Best chance: Cam McCarthy

The 20 year-old was incredibly unlucky to miss out on a Rising Star nomination this week after a five-goal haul in the Giants’ 11-goal thumping of the Suns. The West Australian looks to have all the tools to build a significant career as a marking forward, with McCarthy’s strong hands on the lead as good as his leap. He’s kicked 13 goals from four games this year, providing exceptional support for All Australian teammate Jeremy Cameron.

Other contenders: James Stewart (five games), Jack Steele (yet to debut)

Past winners: Nil - Adam Curley

Cam McCarthy has been brilliant up forward for the Giants this season. Picture: AFL Media



HAWTHORN

Best chance: Jed Anderson

After missing last year with a shoulder injury, Anderson burst back onto the scene with a scintillating 26 touches and a goal in the opening NAB Challenge match. The dynamic midfielder hasn't quite hit those heights yet during the premiership season, but he responded to being dropped with a starring VFL performance at the weekend. At his best, Anderson can win the hard ball on the inside, speed away from packs and kick goals – all the traits of a potential NAB AFL Rising Star winner.

Other contenders: Billy Hartung (nine games), Jonathan O'Rourke (10), James Sicily (one)

Past winners: Nick Holland (1995), Sam Mitchell (2003) - Travis King

MELBOURNE

Best chance: Jesse Hogan

A key forward has not won the Rising Star since St Kilda's Nick Riewoldt in 2002 but Melbourne's Jesse Hogan has made a good start towards becoming the next. He has kicked eight goals in four games, taken some clutch marks and split 50/50 contests evenly more often than not. His work rate has been very good too. Everyone knows he can play and that he is a competitor, but the Demons want to keep the hype to a minimum. Fair enough too. He's only 20 but he is exciting.

Other contenders: Angus Brayshaw (four games)

Past winners: Jared Rivers (2004) - Peter Ryan



Young key forward Jesse Hogan has lived up to his hype so far this year. Picture: AFL Media



NORTH MELBOURNE

Best chance: Kayne Turner

The small forward has quickly carved a niche for himself in North's best 22 since debuting late last season. Quick and almost scarily courageous, the 19-year-old applies fierce defensive pressure in the Roos' forward half and knows where the goals are when feeding on the crumbs left by Drew Petrie, Jarrad Waite and Ben Brown. Turner has now played nine consecutive senior games, including all three of the Roos' finals last year.

Other contenders: Trent Dumont (one game), Taylor Garner (two)

Past winners: Byron Pickett (1998) - Nick Bowen

PORT ADELAIDE

Best chance: Karl Amon

The speedy wingman raised many eyebrows over the summer with a perfect pre-season that kicked off in Dubai. His development drew praise from every coach asked about emerging players, as well as from many of his teammates. Amon uses the ball well and finishes, but at SANFL level he's also shown the ability to win the ball on the inside. He just needs an opportunity to debut and maybe some faith to allow himself to work into form.

Other contenders: Sam Colquhoun (10 games), Tom Clurey (one)

Past winners: Danyle Pearce (2006), Michael Wilson (1997) - Harry Thring

RICHMOND

Best chance: Kamdyn McIntosh

McIntosh capped off a memorable debut in round one to win the first nomination for the season. In his third year, the 21-year-old had 23 touches and kicked a goal in the Tigers' win over Carlton. Finally fit after two years of injury problems, the West Australian midfielder – who is 192cm and has excellent endurance and pace - has held his spot since and with a full pre-season behind him, looks to be in a place where he can unleash his potential.

Other contenders: Matt McDonough (nine games), Ben Lennon (seven), Corey Ellis (yet to debut), Liam McBean (yet to debut)

Past winners: Brett Deledio (2005) - Jennifer Phelan

Kamdyn McIntosh produced one of the most exciting debuts in a long time in round one. Picture: AFL Media



ST KILDA

Best chance: Jack Lonie

The Saints' fourth pick at last year's draft (No.41 overall) has emerged as somewhat of a surprise packet over summer, having impressed enough to break into the senior line up for round one and hold his spot since. The small forward from Seaford had his best game against Carlton on Saturday where his forward pressure and tackling efforts won praise from coach Alan Richardson. Has plenty of competitors at the Saints when it comes to a potential nomination but Lonie has done well to play the role designated to him so far.

Other contenders: Tim Membrey (five games), Jack Sinclair (four), Eli Templeton (seven), Blake Acres (three), Paddy McCartin (two)

Past winners: Justin Koschitzke (2001), Nick Riewoldt (2002) - Jennifer Phelan



SYDNEY SWANS

Best chance: Isaac Heeney

The early-season favourite, Heeney had a physique ready-made for senior footy and his temperament and footy brain have helped him adapt to the big time with ease. The Newcastle boy has formed a strong combination with Lance Franklin inside the Swans’ forward 50 and hasn’t been afraid to hunt his own ball. A move to the midfield awaits but until then, the Swans have a small forward with class, poise and an enormous future.

Other contenders: Zak Jones (five games), Daniel Robinson (yet to debut)

Past winners: Dan Hannebery (2010), Adam Goodes (1999) - Adam Curley

WEST COAST

Best chance: Dom Sheed

The Eagles have a number of contenders but Sheed is the most likely to play the majority of the year and gain a nomination. He played 10 games last season, five as the sub. The 2013 Larke medallist has been very consistent so far this season, averaging 20 disposals as a key component in the Eagles' young midfield. Jackson Nelson has also performed well so far in his first season, playing all four games off half-back and Liam Duggan has shown glimpses of his obvious talent in his three games as the sub.

Other contenders: Jackson Nelson (four games), Liam Duggan (three) Tom Lamb (one), Brant Colledge (two)

Past winners: Ben Cousins (1996) - Alex Malcolm

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Best chance: Lukas Webb

Mitch Honeychurch may have claimed the round two NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for his impressive performance against Richmond, but 2014 draftee Lukas Webb looms as the Bulldogs' best chance.The second-round selection made an impressive debut against Hawthorn in round three and backed that up with an even better performance in the Dogs' win over Adelaide on the weekend. Playing mainly across half-back, the 19-year-old has shown he's a cool customer with a deadly left foot and is strong overhead. He also reads the play well and took several intercept marks against the Crows.

Other contender: Tom Boyd (14 games) , Mitch Honeychurch (seven)

Past winners: Nil – Ryan Davidson

• Check out 2015's nominees at the NAB AFL Rising Star hub

• Bucks, Cuz and Goodesy: Rising Star winners, 1993-present