Amy Gaylor has received a Telstra AFLW Rising Star nomination for week six following her impressive performance in Essendon’s three-point win over Sydney last Wednesday night.

The emerging 19-year-old provided a calming presence in the Bombers’ back six and finished with 15 disposals, four tackles, three marks and 353 metres gained as her side held on for a tight victory under the lights at Whitten Oval.

A noted inside midfielder when first joining the Bombers as a pre-draft selection and spending the majority of pre-season training as a forward, Gaylor has now slotted seamlessly into the defensive group over the opening six weeks.

AFLW Senior Coach Natalie Wood praised the impact and temperament of the teenager, who’s made a promising impression in her first year at the NEC Hangar to date.

“Amy’s been absolutely fantastic, especially for a player in her first season,” Wood said.

“She’s really slotted into our defence well and I’m honestly not sure I’ve come across a first-year player who’s been at the level so consistently and been this equipped to play the first five or six games of a season.

“It’s brilliant to see her keep growing. She’s a cool, calm and collected type but she’s also really diligent and an astute learner, traits that I’m sure will hold her in good stead.”

Gaylor picked up where she left off in the second fixture of week six, recording 11 disposals at 90 per cent efficiency, as well as three contested marks in a nine-point win over Gold Coast on Sunday.

With the recognition, Gaylor becomes the first Bomber this season and just the fourth in history to be nominated for the Rising Star after teammate Paige Scott in Season Seven, as well as Amber Clarke and two-time nominee Stephanie Wales last season.