Essendon youngster Michael Hurley's key role in the Bombers' shock weekend win over St Kilda has earned him a nomination for the AFL's Rising Star award.

In what was just his seventh senior game, the 19-year-old started the match up forward and kicked a goal before being forced into defence to cover for injured veteran Dustin Fletcher.

Hurley ended the match with 20 disposals and 10 marks, including a crucial grab in the final term one-out against St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt.

Selected by the Bombers at pick No.5 in last November's national draft, Hurley made his debut in the opening round of the season.

Quad and wrist injuries meant he did not get his second match until round 15, but he has played every game since for the Bombers, impressing with his marking ability at both ends of the ground.

Hurley is Essendon's third Rising Star nominee this season, after Tayte Pears and David Zaharakis.

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