Essendon defender Andrew McGrath is the round four NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

The number one draft pick has played every match this season and was one of the Bombers best against Adelaide on the weekend.

He gathered 28 possessions (85 per cent efficiency) and laid four tackles in a composed performance in defence. 

"I think he's had an excellent start," Essendon champion Scott Lucas said.

"He has shown real poise with ball in hand and because of his athletic profile he looks like a player who could hold down a small defender role for a long time.

"I know he's going to go into the midfield sooner rather than later but right now we've seen some small forwards get on top of Essendon - but with him down there I think as the year goes on he'll play on that number one small forward for the opposition, which is a great credit to him.

"His form has been excellent, he looks really confident in his footy and he's fitted in well with the group."

McGrath steadily climbed the draft rankings throughout 2016.

He co-captained Vic Metro in the 2016 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and was named an All-Australian.

A 38 possession best on ground performance in Sandringham’s TAC Cup Grand Final victory sealed his standing as the number one draft talent in the country.

Now four games in to his AFL career, McGrath said he is becoming more comfortable at senior level.

“I’m definitely feeling more comfortable – the more I get to know the boys, the more I get to know the pace of the game – it just all helps,” McGrath said.

“Hopefully I can become more consistent and play my footy like that from now on.”

McGrath played for East Brighton Junior Football Club, Brighton Grammar and the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup competition.