SAM POWELL-PEPPER has finished third in the the 2017 NAB AFL Rising Star award.

The bullocking Power midfielder finished behind winner Andrew McGrath of Essendon and Hawk Ryan Burton.

Powell-Pepper played 21 games in the 2017 season and earned his Rising Star nomination in the opening round of the season with a bumper debut against Sydney at the SCG.

He averaged 17 disposals, 2.7 marks, five tackles and just under one goal per game this season.

His best statistical efforts came against North Melbourne (26 disposals, 8 marks, three tackles and two goals) and Brisbane (25 disposals, 2 goals).

Fellow nominee Dan Houston did not poll.

2017 NAB AFL Rising Star award - top five  

1st Andrew McGrath 51
2nd Ryan Burton 41
3rd Sam Powell-Pepper 35
4th Charlie Curnow 27
5th Eric Hipwood 10

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