WESTERN Bulldogs rookie Luke Dahlhaus put in a performance worthy of a NAB Rising Star nomination on Saturday night according to coach Rodney Eade.

Dahlhaus broke through for his AFL debut against St Kilda in round 12 this year and played his ninth AFL game in the 49-point loss to Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

The fleet-footed youngster, who turns 19 on August 21, has been a shining light in a tough season for the Dogs and his pair of brilliant, team-lifting goals against the Bombers capped a 19-possession performance that earned the praise of his coach.

"I think he was the catalyst that got us back in the game," Eade said.

"He was the spark as much as anyone in that second quarter that kept us in it a little bit. He split the lines with speed and he has a willingness to hunt the ball.

"He's carrying a big load for a kid and he fatigued a little bit towards the end of that third quarter. You just wish you could put his effort and intensity into 22 players.

"Hopefully he can get a NAB Rising Star [nomination] because I think he deserves one."

That's high praise for a young man who wasn't sure the AFL was part of his future when last year's national draft came and went without his name being called.

"It was shattering to not be called at the draft, but I wouldn't change anything now. I'm really happy to be where I am," Dahlhaus said after the game.

"As a rookie you've got to work so hard. I didn't realise how far back I was at the time [I joined the club], but I just tried to work away at it step by step.

"Last year I was sitting at home watching television thinking 'Gees these boys are good' and now I'm here. I'm really lucky."