Olivia Vesely’s gutsy performance against the Blues on Saturday night has seen her awarded with a nomination for the NAB Rising Star.

The boisterous on-baller collected 18 disposals, four tackles and three marks in the resilient display, with her tireless inside efforts winning over the St Kilda faithful.

Even though she thought she’d be “lucky” to get a game in 2020 prior to Round 1, Vesely’s confidence, influence and importance to the line-up have grown with each passing week.

A fresh shiner from last week’s gallant performance was a physical reminder of her toughness, which showed no sign of slipping as she threw herself at contest after contest against Carlton.

A battered and bruised Olivia Vesely refuses to back down. Photo: Corey Scicluna.

The 20-year-old is coming off a stellar VFLW Season where she took out the Rising Star Award, earned a place in the VFLW Team of the Year and a podium finish at the Southern Saints’ best-and-fairest.

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Vesely becomes the third Saint to earn a NAB Rising Star nomination in 2020, with Georgia Patrikios (Round 1) and Caitlin Greiser (Round 3) also receiving league-wide recognition.