Gold Coast's Tom Nicholls wins the Rising Star nomination, edging Western Bulldog Nathan Hrovat

BULLDOG Nathan Hrovat's unlucky weekend continued when he was beaten to the Rising Star nomination by Gold Coast ruckman Tom Nicholls.

Essendon v Western Bulldogs,AFL football,

GOLD Coast’s loaded cupboard of key-position stocks won another tick today with emerging ruckman Tom Nicholls awarded the Round 16 Rising Star nomination.

Nicholls, who has shone brightly since replacing knee victim Zac Smith, was the Suns’ best player against Richmond.

It continued Nathan Hrovat’s unlucky run after the young midfield terrier was overlooked despite his superb performance in the Western Bulldogs’ loss to Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

DID THE AFL MAKE THE RIGHT CALL? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW

Hrovat was at the centre of the costly umpiring decision that robbed him a last-quarter goal that would have brought the Dogs within six points.

Time to change the rule

Hrovat collected 19 first-half disposals, finishing with 25 for the match, while he was also denied a mark in front of goal in the first quarter before the Bombers swept the ball up the other end to cap their hot start.

Essendon v Western Bulldogs,AFL football,

The Dogs were looking for their third Rising Star nominee for the season after Jackson Macrae and Michael Talia.

Nicholls has been a revelation since joining the Suns’ senior side six weeks ago.

He collected 25 hitouts against Tiger Ivan Maric on Saturday to go with 18 disposals and 121 SuperCoach points.

The 21-year-old, of Fijian heritage, was snared from Sandringham Dragons as a prized pre-listed signing back in 2010.

Tom taps into team of the round

Nicholls joins stingy full-back Rory Thompson, fellow ruckmen Daniel Gorringe and Smith and key forwards Tom Lynch, Charlie Dixon and Sam Day as exciting young tall timber at the Suns.

The Suns’ array of ruck riches comes despite squeezing out Tom Hickey last year, who headed to St Kilda.

“Tom has done an outstanding job in the absence of Charlie Dixon and Zac Smith," Suns coach Guy McKenna said.

"Over the past three seasons Tom has been developing his game to the point where he can now compete against some of the most seasoned AFL ruckman and that a credit to him and our development coaches."

Nicholls' teammate Jaeger O'Meara remains the raging favourite to collect this year's gong.

2013 Rising Star nominations

R1 Oliver Wines (POR)

R2 Aaron Mullett (NM)

R3 Jed Anderson (HAW)

R4 George Horlin-Smith (GEE)

R5 Jaeger O'Meara (GCS)

R6 Bradley Hill (HAW)

R7 Nick Vlastuin (RIC)

R8 Jackson Macrae (WB)

R9 Sam Kerridge (ADE)

R10 Lachie Whitfield (GWS)

R11 Tom Mitchell (SYD)

R12 Sam Mayes (BRI)

R13 Jake Neade (POR)

R14 Brad Crouch (ADE)

R15 Michael Talia (WB)

R16 Tom Nicholls (GC)