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FORMER Bendigo Thunder star Bella Ayre has won a NAB AFL Women's Rising Star award nomination for her efforts in the Blues' important six-point win over the Western Bulldogs.
Ayre, who is one of the youngest players in the new national competition, has shared the honour with Blues teammate Tilly Lucas-Rodd.
The key forward only turned 18 last December. She previously represented Vic Country in the AFL youth girls’ national championships four times.
On Saturday against the Dogs, she had eight disposals and kicked two goals from four shots in the Blues' win, a performance coach Damien Keeping called "encouraging".
"We understand Bella's a long-term prospect. Her understanding of her strengths and how they play out at this level is really starting to progress, and it's really exciting," Keeping said.
It was Ayre's second two goal contribution in as many weeks for the Blues (3-2), who are third behind undefeated Brisbane (5-0) and Adelaide (4-1) on the league ladder.
Two players will be nominated per round for the Rising Star award, with the winner chosen from the 14 nominees and announced at season's end.