Midfielder Ryan Bastinac has been rewarded for playing an important role in North Melbourne's first win of the season with the round three nomination for the AFL Rising Star award.

Bastinac helped subdue key West Coast duo Daniel Kerr and Matt Priddis, while picking up 23 possessions of his own in the 25-point victory at Etihad Stadium.

"Ryan had an outstanding pre-season and he has carried that form through the opening rounds," said North coach Brad Scott.

"We have been really impressed with his rapid development and all North Melbourne supporters should be encouraged by his talent, work ethic and ability.

"We expect big things from Ryan in the future and his performance on Saturday against Daniel Kerr was just one small example of what he's capable of."

Bastinac, 18, was recruited by North Melbourne from the Dandenong Stingrays with pick 21 in the 2009 national draft.

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