Reigning NAB AFL Rising Star Jaeger O'Meara is confident teammate Kade Kolodjashnij's failure to secure a nomination for this year's prize won't distract the first-year player.

Kolodjashnij, taken with pick five by the Gold Coast SUNS at last year's draft, has made an instant impression at senior level.

The Tasmanian is averaging 20 disposals a game in his six AFL appearances with a sky-high disposal efficiency of 78 per cent, the highest of any of this year's Rising Star contenders.

Despite his good form the AFL is yet to recognise him with a nomination for the award.

The 18-year-old is likely to return to the GC SUNS line-up this Sunday to play the Western Bulldogs after missing last week's 38-point win over St Kilda due to a knee complaint.

O'Meara, who received his nomination in round five last year during his impressive debut campaign, said Kolodjashnij won't be fretting over the lack of recognition.

"Kade's been playing some really consistent footy for us up until his little setback," O'Meara said.

"I don't think he'll be worried about getting a Rising Star nomination. He's just focused on playing team footy at the moment. He's been doing that really well."

O'Meara, himself, has put to bed concerns he wouldn't be able to back up his first season by continuing where he left off for the ever-improving Suns.

The 20-year-old has taken his streak of AFL starts to 30 after playing in all eight SUNS matches this year, averaging 22.8 disposals and an impressive seven tackles per game.