Sydney midfielder Daniel Hannebery is the favourite for the AFL Rising Star award, but this year the voting could be close.

There were no surprises when Geelong's Joel Selwood (2007), Fremantle's Rhys Palmer (2008) and last year's winner Daniel Rich from Brisbane took out the award.

The ineligibility of Richmond midfielder Dustin Martin has opened up the field for the Rising Star, which honours the game's top young player.

Martin was ruled out because of a tripping report in round three.

Hannebery and Melbourne's No.1 draft pick Tom Scully appear to be the two main chances.

The Rising Star is the first of the AFL's September awards functions and it will be held on Wednesday in Melbourne.

Hannebery, 19, played seven senior games last year, but was still eligible for the award.

He has played 19 more games for Sydney this season and earlier this month Hannebery secured a three-year contract extension.

The Swans picked him up with pick 30 in the 2008 draft.

Scully, by contrast, was the focus of attention at last year's national draft when he was the top pick.

The Demons midfielder has flourished in his debut season, playing 21 matches and regularly featuring in their best players.

Melbourne took Scully and Jack Trengove with the first two picks of the draft and they have quickly justified their selections.

North Melbourne midfielder Ryan Bastinac, Collingwood key defender Ben Reid, Brisbane utility Tom Rockliff, West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui and Fremantle's Nathan Fyfe are other nominees who should feature in the overall voting.

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