The AFL has announced Richmond midfielder Reece Conca as its Rising Star nomination - a day earlier than planned after Tigers teammate Jack Riewoldt broke the news via Twitter.

Conca won the round nine nomination, which is normally made the Tuesday after the weekend's round.

But Riewoldt let the cat out of the bag with a Twitter message earlier on Monday confirming Conca had won the award.

The 18-year-old has played every match this season for the resurgent Tigers, and was among his side's best in the win over Essendon at the MCG last weekend.

Conca gathered 23 possessions, took eight marks and laid three tackles in the 16-point victory in front of more than 80,000 people.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP