Adelaide defender Max Michalanney says it is an honour to be recognised as the AFL’s NAB Rising Star nominee for Round Five.

Michalanney was rewarded for his nine pressure acts, 10 disposals at 90 per cent efficiency, four intercepts and four tackles in the Crows’ 56 point win over Carlton last Thursday night. 

The 19-year-old’s performance capped a bright start to his AFL career, with the first-year Crow averaging an impressive 11.6 disposals and 3.4 tackles in the opening five games of the season.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Michalanney said he was proud to receive external recognition for his efforts.

“Obviously it is a massive honour to be recognised as the Rising Star this week,” Michalanney said. 

“There are a lot of young kids around the competition who have been playing some really good footy, who are probably deserving of it as well. 

“So for me to be recognised, I am really happy.”

Since arriving at the Club in November, the defender said he had learned a lot from his teammates and had focused on improving his game at every opportunity.

“You definitely learn something new every time you step out onto the oval,” Michalanney said. 

“Something I’m really trying to focus on is every time I go out to training or to a game (is) looking for ways to keep improving.

“Hopefully that will help me get to that elite level at some point.”

Michalanney forms part of an exciting young core of players at the Crows, who have all been influential in the side’s three-game winning streak.

He was confident the Crows were tracking in the right direction with the current list.

“It is very exciting (to be part of this younger brigade),” Michalanney said. 

“All the younger players are stepping up at the moment, guys like (Josh) Rachele, (Izak) Rankine, (Jake) Soligo, (Darcy) Fogarty (who) kicked five on the weekend, the list goes on. 

“So it will be really exciting to be able to keep playing those guys and hopefully build towards a premiership.”