CARLTON'S Madison Prespakis and Fremantle's Sabreena Duffy are the round-two nominations for the NAB AFL Women's Rising Star award.
Prespakis was selected third overall in the 2018 NAB AFLW Draft and has made an immediate impact in a Carlton side hoping to improve after last year's wooden-spoon finish.
Prespakis was clearly best on ground for the Blues against Adelaide at Ikon Park on Sunday, the 18-year-old midfielder gathering 20 disposals and kicking a goal.
She was a potent force through the middle, with seven clearances and nine contested possessions.
Prespakis had a stellar junior career with the Calder Cannons and Vic Metro and was co-player of the carnival at last year's NAB AFLW Under-18 Championships.
She said playing in the AFLW had been an eye-opener.
"It’s been a massive step-up to the VFLW, but I love the challenge," she said.
"I found it very challenging at first. I didn’t know what to expect this year, but I think I’ve handled myself pretty well."
Prespakis said she had already learned plenty from her teammates, including speedy winger Georgie Gee. The pair previously played together for Vic Metro.
"I’m always with Georgia,” she said. "But I can learn something different from each girl."
Duffy, pictured above, was drafted as a midfielder/defender with pick 17 in last year's draft and has impressed in the first two rounds as a pressure forward.
The life-long Dockers supporter and Perth native joined Fremantle after an impressive 2018 season with the Peel Thunderbirds in the WAWFL.
She also captained Western Australia in the under-18 national carnival and won All Australian honours as a half-back.
Duffy kicked two goals in the win over Brisbane on Sunday, finishing the match with 11 disposals.
Players are eligible for this year's award if they were 21 or under as of January 1, 2019, and had not been previously nominated.
2019 NAB AFLW Rising Star nominations
Round 1: Nina Morrison (Geelong) and Alyce Parker (Greater Western Sydney)
Round 2: Madison Prespakis (Carlton) and Sabreena Duffy (Fremantle)
