WESTERN Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade believes Callan Ward is on the verge of NAB AFL Rising Star recognition after impressive performances in the past month.

Ward, 19, had 15 touches and 10 tackles against Geelong in round nine, before going on to kick three goals against the Sydney Swans the following week.

He then had a solid outing against Richmond before collecting a career-best 33 touches against Port Adelaide in Darwin two weeks ago.

Eade said his young charge, who debuted in round 11 last year, was on track to become the Bulldogs' first Rising Star nominee for the year.

"He's playing very good footy. His last three games have been fantastic," he said on Wednesday.

"His chance will come. Unless they have a standout game, they reward players for consistency. Young [Aaron] Joseph has been like that.

"Callan's not far away. He's just got to keep working on his deficiencies. He's been a valued addition to the team."

Ward meets the criteria for nomination as he was under the required age of 21 at the start of the year and played less than 10 games in 2008.

Eade was impressed at the way Ward responded to his omission earlier this year, when he played three games for Williamstown after being dropped in round five.

"We just thought he needed to go back and get a bit of confidence," Eade said.

"He's done that, his work rate is terrific, but he's another one like Liam Picken who adds a bit of hardness to the team.

"For a kid who's only 19, he's a fairly tough player and he puts his head over the ball. Most of his possessions are contested."