Dogs' son of a gun gets Rising Star nod

Western Bulldogs midfielder Josh Dunkley's good form has been rewarded with the AFL Rising Star nomination for round 20.

The 19-year-old, who is the son of former Sydney Swans full-back Andrew Dunkley, made his AFL debut in round one this season and has played 10 games.

He gathered 19 possessions in the Dogs' win over North Melbourne on Saturday night and had a season-high 27 touches against Gold Coast in round 17.

"Josh is as determined to fast-track his AFL career as any young man we have been involved with," Dogs coach Luke Beveridge said.

"He is very quickly establishing himself as an influential player and person at the Western Bulldogs and we are fortunate to have him as one of our own."

Dunkley was the 25th overall selection at last year's national draft.

He is the Dogs' second Rising Star nominee this season after Caleb Daniel was nominated in round four.