A sterling performance against St Kilda has seen Hawthorn midfielder Shane Savage earn the AFL's Rising Star nomination for Round 8.

Savage had a career-high 26 disposals, 14 marks, five tackles and two goals in the 30-point win over the struggling Saints at the MCG on Sunday.

The 20-year-old has played every game for the Hawks this season, after a 2010 season when he was named an emergency eight times and made no senior appearances.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson praised Savage for his work ethic.

"This nomination is a great nod to a young kid who has shown much improvement over the course of his three years at this club," Clarkson said.

"Shane has stepped up this year and has injected a great deal of pace, energy and footy nous into the team."

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