Adelaide ruck Montana McKinnon believes her hard work and determination paved the way for a Rising Star nod in Round Five.

McKinnon, who was Adelaide’s first selection at the 2019 AFLW Draft, played two games in her debut season but struggled to crack into the Crows’ 2021 side.

Rather than give up, the 20-year-old put in the work and proved she was worthy of selection for the Crows’ Round One match in 2022 against the Kangaroos.

Since then, she has not missed a beat, playing every game so far.

She enjoyed a standout performance in the Round Five win over Carlton, recording 12 hit-outs, seven marks and 12 disposals, helping her to be nominated for an AFLW Rising Star Award.

McKinnon is Adelaide’s first Rising Star nomination since Danielle Ponter and Chloe Scheer in 2019.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, McKinnon said the nomination was a result of the hard work she had put in over the off-season and pre-season.

“I obviously didn’t play last year, which was pretty tough,” McKinnon said.

“But I knew in the off-season I needed to improve my fitness and strength. I was in the gym, running a fair bit - both in the off-season and into the pre-season, I worked pretty hard.

“It’s been exciting getting games this year.”

McKinnon, a South Adelaide junior and an under-18 All-Australian, also credited her teammates and Senior Coach Matthew Clarke for helping her improve.

“The group of girls I am playing with is great,” McKinnon said.

“The vibe is just really good, even since pre-season it’s been really good.

“He (Clarke) just said to me to keep working hard and that my time would come and when it comes to enjoy it.”.

McKinnon said the side’s 5-0 win/loss record was a good way to start the season but complacency could not creep in.

“Starting off the season, we’ve been really strong,” McKinnon said

“But we are only halfway through the season so we are only focusing on each game as it comes.

“We’ve got the Doggies this week so we are just preparing for that one.

“This year playing in front of crowds has been unreal… it’s really good to see all the supporters get out each week and it’s a really good atmosphere to play in front of.”

Adelaide takes on the Western Bulldogs at Norwood Oval this Sunday at 4.40pm.