“I DON’T tend to smile too much, so they wanted to see a big smile on my face.”

After getting the “reward for effort” of a final round Telstra AFL Rising Star nomination, Billy Wilson allowed himself to smile.

The laidback defender was acknowledged not only for a strong performance against the minor premiers on the weekend, but a highly consistent run of form across his 15 consecutive games at senior level.

Becoming the Blues’ fourth Telstra AFL Rising Star nominee for the season, Wilson - speaking to media 20 minutes after finding out the news - said the chance to grow with a young Carlton core makes for an exciting future.

“All the boys got around me, it’s a good feeling,” Wilson said.

“I live with ‘Deany’ and Talor, so to watch how they’,ve gone about it and be recognised as one of the Rising Stars is a great honour. They’re going to be guns of the competition, so to grow with them is going to be exciting.”

After four games in his opening two seasons, Wilson returned to the fold in Round 9 against Brisbane and stayed in the senior side from that point on, impressing with his ball use and willingness to take the game on from half-back.

Accumulating over 20 disposals in eight games this season, Wilson spoke of his apprenticeship in the VFL side, enhancing his skillset before getting the chance to bring his weapons to the elite level.

“There’s always going to be challenges, you’ve just got to get back on your bike - that’s all I’ve done. It’s been an accumulation of taking things week by week - ‘Frase’ has been good with that,” he said.

“Once you find your feet and grow confidence, it’s easy to get going. Getting used to the level, it only takes so long and once you find your feet, you find ways to keep improving your game.

“That’s all I’ve gone after. I’ve been grateful for the opportunity, and ever since then, I’ve taken it with two hands and gone for it.”

Wilson is part of a Carlton contingent readying for a first final this weekend, with a crowd of 90,000 looming at the MCG.

But don’t expect the youngster to change too much despite the occasion.

“I’m sure it’s going to be so loud at the ‘G, but it doesn’t change my thoughts - just attack the game like I have been.

“It’s exciting, very exciting. I can’t wait.”