Sydney Swans rebounding defender Callum Mills has won the 2016 NAB AFL Rising Star, ahead of Western Bulldogs onballer Caleb Daniels, while St Kilda midfielder-forward Jade Gresham finished equal sixth.

Only nine of the 23 nominees received a vote from the selection panel, which is comprised of the All Australian committee and national talent and international manager, Kevin Sheehan.

Mills, who was drafted with selection No. 3 last November, won the Ron Evans Medal after earning 49 of a possible 50 votes. Former Geelong premiership captain Cameron Ling was the only judge not to award the maximum five votes to New South Welshman.

The Sydney academy graduate finished eight votes clear of Daniel on 41 votes, with Carlton’s Jacob Weitering third on 26 votes and Essendon’s Darcy Parish (19) and Collingwood’s Darcy Moore (nine) rounding out the top five.

Gresham played 18 games in his debut season, averaging 15.3 possessions, 3.0 tackles and 2.9 inside 50s, as well as booting 11 goals, including a handful of classy snaps from the pocket.

The 19-year-old earned the Round 14 Rising Star nomination following his performance against the Cats, where he collected 16 disposals, eight inside 50s, three score assists and kicked a crucial goal to win the game.

Athletic utility Blake Acres was St Kilda’s other nominee in 2016, following his standout effort against the Demons in Round 6. The West Australian gathered 28 possessions and kicked two goals in the win.

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2016 NAB AFL Rising Star

Callum Mills (Sydney) – 49 votes
Caleb Daniel (Western Bulldogs) – 41 votes
Jacob Weitering (Carlton) – 26 votes
Darcy Parish (Essendon) – 19 votes
Darcy Moore (Collingwood) – nine votes
Jade Gresham (St Kilda) – two votes
Christian Petracca (Melbourne) – two votes
Clayton Oliver (Melbourne) – one vote
Lachie Weller (Fremantle) – one vote