Sydney Swans top-up player Ned Reinhard’s six goal performance against Redland on Saturday has earned the draft hopeful the Round 3 NEAFL Rising Star nomination.

In just his sixth NEAFL game, Reinhard took multiple strong grabs up forward for a return of 6.0 as the Swans out-classed the Bombers by 97 points at Yeronga.

Growing up in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, the 194cm forward played for East Sydney Bulldogs and was a member of last year’s Under-18 NSW/ACT Rams National Championships side.

He has been a part of the Sydney Swans Academy for the past four years, making his NEAFL debut last season.

Reinhard will play the majority of 2016 as a top-up player for the Swans through the club’s NEAFL Development Program.

The 18-year-old said he is beginning to build some confidence after dealing with injury concerns the past few years.

“About two years ago I had a massive growth spurt and suffered stress fractures. Having last year injury-free, and so far this one, has really helped,” he said.

MATCH REPORT: NEAFL Swans down Bombers

“It’s great to be able to get to know the senior players more this year, because you have a better understanding of what you need to be doing on the field rather than coming in to the side with a couple of days’ notice.

“Definitely I want to give it (AFL) the best shot that I can. I got a lot of confidence from the last few rounds, and Saturday’s game in particular.”

The Rising Star is awarded to the most promising young talent in the NEAFL competition.

Nominees must be under the age of 21 and played less than 20 senior games at the start of the 2016 season.