Stay tuned to kangaroos.com.au for video of Sam's press conference at Arden Street - available before midday.

Sam Wright from the North Melbourne Football Club is the Round 21 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

Sam was the Kangaroos’ top goal scorer, kicking four goals on Sunday to help his side to a 16-point victory over West Coast at Subiaco Oval. He also gathered 16 disposals and a tackle.

North Melbourne coach, Brad Scott said “Sam’s nomination is a terrific reward for his extremely promising season in 2010. He is an extremely versatile and classy player who will be a vital player at North Melbourne for a long time to come.

“Sam has developed into a regular senior player for North Melbourne and has shown frequent examples of his class, whether he is setting up play from the backline or kicking goals in the forward line. Perhaps the most encouraging sign of Sam’s success this year is how much improvement he has in him.”

After averaging 18 disposals and one and a half goals per game in the Murray Bushrangers premiership team in 2008, Sam was North Melbourne’s second round selection (selection 27 overall) in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.

In 2009 the 20 year-old started his AFL career with a goal against Geelong on debut in Round 8. Sam went on to have a positive impact in the next four matches, but was struck down with injury at the peak of his form.

Standing at 188cm, Sam is a versatile player who can play forward, midfield or back. The Katamatite junior has played 19 matches this season, kicking 21 goals and averaging 12 possessions for the year.

Following each round of the home and away season, a panel of judges will select a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

At the completion of the season, one of these nominees will be chosen as the 2010 NAB AFL Rising Star.

The 2010 NAB AFL Rising Star will receive a personal investment folio and a dedicated personal banker, courtesy of NAB.

NAB will recognise the junior clubs that helped foster the early careers of the nominated players. Each of the 22 clubs will receive a NAB Club Recognition Award, a package of practical and financial resources designed to assist them in developing future champions.

The NAB AFL Rising Star is the pinnacle of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL.

The NAB AFL Rising Stars Program provides recognition and a clearly identifiable direction for a player's career, and comprises the following elements:

· NAB AFL Rising Star

· NAB AFL Draft

· NAB AFL Combine

· NAB AFL Under 18 Championships

· AIS-AFL Academy

· NAB AFL Under 16 Championships