Pearce claims Rd 3 Star

Port Adelaide midfielder Danyle Pearce is the round three NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

Pearce earned his nomination for his efforts in Sunday's loss to Fremantle at AAMI Stadium when he gathered 20 possessions, hauled-in six marks, laid four tackles and scored a goal

The 20 year-old has been a fixture in the Power line-up since his eye-catching debut against the Kangaroos in Canberra in round 18 last season, when he kicked two goals.

He has put together 10 senior games in succession since then and his seven matches last year earned him the club's best first-year player award.

Pearce, who was raised in Edwardstown in suburban Adelaide, is one of many youngsters initially overlooked in the NAB AFL Draft, only to make his mark as a rookie.

He was missed out on selection in the 2004 draft despite representing South Australia in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships in 2004 and impressing at the 2004 NAB AFL Draft Camp where he topped the 20-metre sprint, agility run and running vertical jump tests.

Rookie-listed with Port Adelaide in 2005, Pearce was a standout with Sturt in the SANFL before making the most of his chance in the big league.

He was elevated to Port Adelaide's senior list at the end of last season.