West Coast Eagles youngster Elijah Hewett has been recognised for his strong run of form, claiming the round 22 AFL Rising Star nomination.

On a tough night out against West Coast’s crosstown rivals Fremantle on Saturday, 19-year-old Hewett impressed with his speed around the contest and persistence to find the footy.

The Swan Districts product collected 20 disposals, including eight kicks, 12 handballs and three marks, and 10 contested possessions, the second-most for the Eagles behind Tim Kelly (17).

Taken with pick No.14 in the 2022 national draft, Hewett becomes West Coast’s third Rising Star nominee this season – the equal-most for any club – following Reuben Ginbey in round three and Jai Culley in round six.

After just his twelfth game at AFL level, Hewett said it’s a great feeling to get some reward for effort.

“It really feels great,” Hewett said.

“I feel very grateful to receive the nomination and super proud of what I’ve been able to achieve the last few weeks and get a bit of reward for effort.”

Boasting agility, speed and skill, the long-term midfield prospect hopes his consistent performances will continue into the 2024 season.

Hewett has averaged almost 18 disposals, seven contested possessions and 2.5 clearances across the past month, with an outstanding effort in the win over North Melbourne in round 20 featuring 21 disposals and a goal.

“It’s been a bit of a bumpy road, a slow start with a few injuries and niggles,” Hewett said.

“I’ve finally been able to get some continuity in a few games which has been great.

“To find some form at the back end of the season is great and should propel me to the start of next season.”

Finding himself amongst a crop of developing youngsters, Hewett said he’s made some long-lasting connections with his teammates.

“I’ve got some great connections with some of the younger boys like ‘Reubs’ (Reuben Ginbey) and ‘Longy’ (Noah Long) and mid-season draftee Ryan Maric, and we’re all really close which is great,” Hewett said.

“We have a strong, young core, so the juxtaposition between us and the older boys, we’ve found great synergy and hopefully these relationships can last a long time and help with on-field success in the next few years.”

Looking ahead to the final two games of the season, Hewett said the team are focused on the process, and hope to give the fans something to cheer about.

“I think the next few weeks are about focusing on our plan and what we want to achieve, and focusing on the process,” Hewett said.

“Right now, we’re really chasing that, we’re also just chasing respect as a club, we’ve got a great fan base and we want to give them something to come and watch.”

Renowned for his energetic and passionate goal celebrations, Hewett said it all stems from his love of the game.

“It just happens naturally, I don’t practice any of them,” Hewett said.

“I’ve got a lot of love and joy for the game and to kick a goal in front of our fans, who we dearly love, and my family and friends is incredible, so it just comes out in the moment.”