Determined by a panel of experts the NAB Young Footballer of the Year, December nominee Kantarovski, was judged on his performance over rounds 17-21 of the A-League campaign.

The youngster helped the Jets to an impressive run of victories during that spell, spoiled only by a festive thrashing in Perth.

"It's a great honour, being acknowledged by the panel as one of six nominees for the award is a really good achievement so far," he said.

"Finishing the HSC and playing regularly in the A-League for Newcastle has been a really big step, it's been hard work and you have to be disciplined.

"Playing in the Under 20 World Cup was a major highlight for me, the experience we all gained, and the knowledge, from that was just incredible.

"Hopefully, one day, I'd love to play at a FIFA World Cup and make the Socceroos squad in the future."

Jets Head Coach Branko Culina has witnessed Kantarovski's development first-hand and believes the Newcastle starlet could become an integral member of Australia's next crop of stars in the coming years.

"Ben is one of those players that is hopefully going to be a shining light for Australian football for many years to come," said Culina.

"He's a different type of player to the players that I've worked with at a similar age; Mark Viduka, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton just to name a few. Ben has different qualities to them, but for his age he is a very mature player, which is very positive."

Kantarovski is the fifth nominated player to be announced and joins Sydney FC's Kofi Danning, Melbourne Victory's Leigh Broxham, Brisbane Roar's Tommy Oar and North Queensland Fury's Rostyn Griffiths as the monthly winners.

Each monthly winner goes into the mix to be named the NAB Young Footballer of the Year at the conclusion of the season.

To acknowledge the vital role junior football clubs play in the development of today's young stars as they strive to reach their potential, NAB will also present a $3,000 equipment pack to Ben Kantarovski's nominated junior club, Broadmeadows Magic FC.