ST KILDA utility Jade McLay has earned the Telstra AFLW Rising Star nomination for round five after her four-goal outing against Richmond on Sunday afternoon.

McLay kicked three goals in quick succession to open the second quarter and bring the Saints back into the contest, before finishing with a game-high four goals.

Following her three-goal spree, the 19-year-old came off second best in a bone-crunching contest and did not return until after half-time.

She ended the day with with eight disposals (five contested), two marks and five score involvements in the Saints' 15-point loss to the Tigers. 

"I think what you'll see with Jade is she only has one pace," St Kilda coach Nick Dal Santo said after the game.

"I think you got a glimpse of what she's capable of. We're really bullish and excited about what she's going to be for our football club."

McLay was taken by the Saints with their first pick in the last year's draft - pick No.26 - and debuted in round three.

St Kilda remains winless across the first five rounds, with Sunday's 15-point loss to the Tigers the closest it has got to any opposition this season.

The Saints have the chance to kickstart their season when they host one-win West Coast at RSEA Park on Sunday.

2026 Telstra AFLW Rising Star nominees

Round one: Sierra Grieves (Richmond)
Round two: Alannah Welsh (Gold Coast)
Round three: Lauren Young (Port Adelaide)
Round four: Jordyn Allen (Melbourne)
Round five: Jade McLay (St Kilda)