Adelaide AFLW midfielder/small forward Abbie Ballard is pleased the work she put in to improve her fitness is beginning to pay off.

On Monday, Ballard earned a NAB Rising Star nomination for her Round Two performance in the Crows’ victory against Richmond.

The 20-year-old booted two goals in the final quarter to lead the Crows to a come-from-behind victory.

Ballard played four matches in Season Six after debuting in Round Three against West Coast but a strong pre-season helped her earn selection for the opening round game this campaign.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Ballard said she was determined to cement her spot in the team this season.

“Pre-season was shorter than what it was last season but I knew what I had to work on and  what I had to do to get in the team and make myself a better player,” Ballard said.

“I definitely made sure I was doing those few extras, making sure I was getting a bit fitter.

“Each season, I have to keep improving on my fitness and I was (also) working on my goal kicking and making sure I was getting to more stoppages and more contests.

“I guess that’s kind of all paying off.

“I was in and out of the team last season and then to play the first two this season and getting this, I’ve shown that I deserve to be here.”

The 20-year-old left-footer, who was selected with Pick No.34 at the 2021 AFLW Draft, also recorded nine disposals and four tackles in the clash with the Tigers at Punt Road.

She said it was “a huge thrill” to be nominated for a Rising Star award.

“I was so excited that I was able to play well and get this accomplishment (the Rising Star nomination),” Ballard said.

“I go out there every week just trying to do my best and do what I can.

“This week I was able to get a few touches and was able to finish off.”

Adelaide takes on North Melbourne this weekend and Ballard is confident the side’s winning form will give it confidence ahead of the clash with the Kangaroos.

“We were able to play North Melbourne in a trial match, so I think we know what we have to do to beat them,” Ballard said.

“Everyone is focused on playing well and hopefully we can play our style of footy for all four quarters this week.

“A win was what we needed and it gives us so much confidence. It will definitely be better this week going into this week.:

The Crows’ battle with North Melbourne is at Unley Oval on Saturday, with the first bounce at 12.10pm.

The AFLW’s Season Seven Indigenous Round will be celebrated across Rounds Three and Four.

The match is proudly sponsored by BHP, which is passionate and committed to inclusion, diversity and female empowerment, as well as giving back to regional communities.