Three young Bulldogs are in contention for the 2014 AFL NAB Rising Star Award announced tomorrow at Crown Palladium, with Marcus Bontempelli shaping as one of the favourites to take out the honours.

Bontempelli (round 13) joins fellow teammates Nathan Hrovat (round 17) and Jake Stringer (round 20) as nominees for the award that recognises the outstanding talent coming through the ranks of the AFL.

Bontempelli first turned selectors’ heads with a 22 disposal game against the Pies where he also had eight inside 50s and a goal, but it has been the numerous game-changing moments throughout the season that has but the 18-year-old up in lights.

Bontempelli’s versatility both up forward and through the midfield sees him rank first out of rising star nominees for inside 50s, third for clearances and fifth for goals.

Stringer also played out the year in strong fashion, kicking 26 goals - the most of any rising star nominee – while also adding 18 career games to his tally.

Stringer has kicked four goals or more in a game on four occasions throughout the season and has provided many eye-catching moments, including three goal of the year nominations.

Nathan Hrovat was an excellent contributor for the Bulldogs in his second season, with a 27 touch game against the Suns ensuring he was nominated for the Rising Star award.

The 20-year-old is ranked second in disposals per game and second in contested possessions per game of all rising star nominees, missing just one game after being recalled to the side in round 11.