Fremantle's Connor Blakely is the Round 11 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
 
Blakely, 20, had 25 touches, five marks and seven tackles in Fremantle’s first win of the season against Essendon at Domain Stadium on Saturday.
 
The tall midfielder played 17 games in the WAFL for Peel Thunder in 2015 before making his AFL debut in Round 23 against Port Adelaide.  
 
He returned to the senior side in round six and has played six matches this year averaging 18 possessions.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said Blakely is playing well with the more experienced midfielders.  
 
“We are really pleased with the way Connor is progressing and how he is adapting to the intensity of the game at this level,” Lyon said.

A lot to like from Freo youngsters
 
“His nomination is an acknowledgement of the effort, commitment and desire that have been evident in the games he has played so far.
 
“Connor is one of several of our young players Fremantle members and supporters can look forward to seeing develop and improve throughout the season.”
 
Blakely played with the  Bunbury Junior Football Club and Swan Districts before joining Fremantle as selection 34 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.
 
He represented Western Australia in the 2014 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and was named an All-Australian at the end of the carnival.
 
Blakely is the first Fremantle player to be nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star since Matt Taberner in Round 22 2014.