Emerging Hawthorn forward Calsher Dear has been recognised as the Round 23 Telstra AFL Rising Star nominee following his standout performance in the Hawks’ 63-point win over Richmond on Sunday.

Showcasing his strong aerial skillset and smarts in front of goal, the 19-year-old booted three majors from his 12 disposals, along with adding eight score involvements and four marks on the day.

Dear’s connection to the brown and gold runs deep, with the youngster following in the footsteps of his late father and 1991 Norm Smith Medallist Paul, after joining the club with Pick 56 as a father-son selection last year.

After making his AFL debut in Round 8, the 195cm tall has missed just one game through injury and has taken his goal tally to 19 majors from 14 games in just his first year at senior level.

Hawthorn Executive General Manager of Football Rob McCartney was pleased to see Dear nominated off the back of his consistency.

“Ever since Calsher walked through the doors at Hawthorn, his talents have been evident to see,” McCartney said.

“He has jumped at every opportunity that has been put in front of him and has been a real target for us in our forward line for the majority of the season.

“His hard work and determination to always get better is something that we could not be prouder of.”