Adelaide midfielder Harry Schoenberg credits sheer hard work for his rapid rise up the ranks at West Lakes.

Schoenberg has played every game since making his debut in Round 10 last year, becoming an integral cog of the Crows’ young on-ball brigade.

The 20-year-old earned the Round 19 AFL Rising Star nomination after finishing the win against Hawthorn with 24 disposals, five marks, six tackles and eight score involvements, along with 318 metres gained.

This week, he was also named in the AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 squad for 2021.

Schoenberg realised more than talent was needed after he was not selected in the Under-18 state squad during his draft year.

Speaking to The Optus Crows Show, Schoenberg said he had put in the hard yards over the 2020/21 pre-season to make sure he could match it with some of the best this year.

“All the hard work I sort of put in, it’s a great achievement to get nominated (for the Rising Star Award),” Schoenberg said.

“I probably started off in the pre-season just getting fitter and bigger.

“Obviously my first year I played eight games and sort of just adapted to the speed of the game and playing against bigger bodies.

“At the start of this year, I really wanted to get fitter and stronger so I could sort of match it with the best midfielders in the competition.

“I’ve been given the opportunity to play a bit more midfield minutes and I’ve sort of embraced that really well.”

Schoenberg was selected with pick No. 24 at the 2019 Draft.

He has averaged 18.3 disposals, 2.9 clearances and 3.5 tackles a game this year.

“I’ve actually been really fortunate to play every game, my body has held up really well which has kept me going,” Schoenberg said.

“Looking back at it, I didn’t think I would’ve played as many games as I have and my goal was just to play one game.

“I'm looking forward to the future.”

The Optus Crows Show airs on Channel 7 Adelaide this Sunday at 4.30pm.

Interstate fans can catch the full episode on afc.com.au shortly after.