Melbourne forward Jesse Hogan wins the AFL’s 2015 Rising Star award

Melbourne powerhouse Jesse Hogan has taken out the 2015 NAB Rising Star award.

Hogan, 20, edged out Carlton midfielder Patrick Cripps for the title of the AFL’s best young player.

WATCH: Jesse Hogan speaks with 3AW’s Shane McInnes

THE TOP-FIVE

• Jesse Hogan (Melbourne) ? 49 votes
• Patrick Cripps (Carlton) ? 41 votes
• Dom Sheed (West Coast) ? 27 votes
• Isaac Heeney (Sydney) ? 12 votes
• Angus Brayshaw (Melbourne) ? 8 votes 

The talented youngster – the first big forward to win the award since St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt in 2002 –  told 3AW Riewoldt was one of his idols growing up.

But as a Western Australian product, Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich was the player who caught his eye most.

‘Obviously, as a Perth boy, Pav – in his prime – was pretty special,’ Hogan said.

‘He was doing things that not a lot of other players were doing.

‘Jonathan Brown was probably the best at his business and Nick Riewoldt.

‘They were probably the three I’d try to keep an eye on and try and see live once every now and then.’