Rookie Rory Laird has carried on his strong pre-season form, winning the SANFL Powerade Star Search Award for Round One.

Laird was instrumental in West Adelaide’s gutsy win over Central District last Thursday night. The composed 19-year-old gathered 27 possessions, seven marks and four rebound 50ms, featuring prominently in the club’s dominant 10-goal third quarter.

It's the 178cm, 76kg, backman's second nomination for the award, having received the honour on debut for the Bloods in Round Four last year.

Laird impressed in his second pre-season at West Lakes. He made his Crows debut in Week One of the NAB Cup and looked at home in defence.

The SANFL equivalent of the NAB Rising Star, the Powerade Star Search Award recognises the talented youngsters making their mark in League ranks. To be eligible for the award, nominees are required to be aged 21 or under at January 1, 2013 and to have played no more than eight State League games at the start of the 2013 season.

AFL rookies are eligible for the award unless promoted to the senior list of their AFL club. Adelaide is unable to elevate a rookie to its primary squad until Round 12 unless a player is placed on the long-term injury list.

The 2013 Powerade Star Search Award winner receives a $2000 cash prize.