Richmond defender Dylan Grimes has followed in the footsteps of older brother Jack by earning an AFL Rising Star nomination.

Grimes earned the round-three nomination for his impressive showing in Saturday’s 59-point win over a Melbourne team co-captained by his brother, who himself was short-listed for the same award three years ago.

Dylan Grimes, 20, accumulated 18 possessions and two tackles against the Demons, including one spectacular goal-saving effort against big Demon Mitch Clark in the goal square.

Grimes made his senior debut in 2009 and looked impressive last year before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury against Essendon.

He has played 11 senior games since being picked up by the Tigers in the 2010 pre-season draft, winning praise from coach Damien Hardwick.

“We’re thrilled with the way Dylan has grasped his opportunity to play at senior level,” said Hardwick.

“He has been given some enormous tasks for such a young defender, but he has embraced every challenge so far.

“Dylan has a tremendous work ethic, is a very popular team-mate, and we are excited about his potential to become a long-term player at Richmond.”