Teenage Essendon midfielder Dyson Heppell has been rewarded for a stunning start to his AFL career with the round-one nomination for the Rising Star award.

After impressing during the Bombers' run to the NAB Cup final, Heppell made his regular-season debut on Sunday against the Western Bulldogs, accumulating 20 possessions and seven marks in the 55-point win.

"Dyson is an exceptionally talented footballer who has made a really smooth transition into AFL football," said Essendon coach James Hird.

"He's been consistent throughout our NAB Cup campaign and also last week against the Bulldogs, demonstrating his flexibility as a player and also his capacity to perform under pressure."

Heppell was recruited by Essendon from TAC Cup side Gippsland Power with selection No.8 in the 2010 national draft.

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