Stephen Coniglio’s important role in Greater Western Sydney’s maiden AFL victory has been acknowledged with the round-seven nomination for the Rising Star award.

Playing in his sixth AFL match, the 18-year-old Coniglio gathered 31 possessions, took six marks and kicked a goal as the Giants beat fellow newcomers Gold Coast by 27 points in Canberra on Saturday.

GWS coach Kevin Sheedy said Coniglio – who was picked up by the club with pick No.2 in last year’s national draft – had been improving every week.

“Stephen’s nomination is reward for an outstanding game in our first win on Saturday and an excellent season so far,” said Sheedy.

“He and our other young midfielders such as Toby Greene, Dylan Shiel and Devon Smith have shown tremendous consistency and maturity for their age and experience.”

GWS have already produced three Rising Star nominees this season – Jeremy Cameron, Tom Bugg and Coniglio.