CARLTON AFLW midfielder Mimi Hill has been rewarded in her comeback game with a NAB Rising Star nomination for her performance against Adelaide in Round 5.

In her first match since suffering an ACL injury in Round 6 last year, Hill dominated all over the ground and picked up an impressive 26 disposals, 13 kicks and laid four tackles.

02:20

AFLW CR | Hill racks up 25 disposals in return

Watch the best highlights of Mimi Hill in the Round 5 match against Adelaide after she returned from an ACL injury.

The 2020 NAB Draft first round pick also received three AFLCA votes for her outstanding performance.

Hill has been putting in the work behind the scenes and was elated to get the call up to play a little earlier than expected.

“It was a surprise initially as I was expecting to come back Round 6, but I was so excited when I was told I was coming back a week early,” she said.

“It’s so great to be back out there and I didn’t even think about the knee once and felt great mentally.

“My teammates have been amazing – just so supportive and I can’t thank them enough.”

Hill was a stand-out in her first season in 2021 before her untimely injury and stepped back into the side with ease on the weekend.

Carlton General Manager of Women’s Football Brett Munro says Hill’s application on and off the ground has been elite and the Rising Star nomination is fantastic recognition of Mimi’s hard work.

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AFLW CR | Hill on nerve-wracking week, return to action

Mimi Hill spoke to Carlton Media following her return game and the support from her teammates while she was out injured.

“We were thrilled to have Mimi back playing on the weekend, and the nomination is a fitting reward for a massive effort,” he said.

“Mimi has worked so incredibly hard not only in her recovery, but since the day she joined the Club in the 2020 draft, and it is fantastic to see that work pay off.

“Her efforts against Adelaide were second-to-none, she excelled all over the ground and was one of our most outstanding players of the day.”