After spending 2023 on the sidelines, Richmond AFLW midfielder Ellie McKenzie has continued her impressive comeback by topping the coaches' votes for the second straight week.

The gun midfielder received nine votes in the Tigers’ 46-point win over the Sydney Swans at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

The 21-year-old collected 23 disposals, seven marks, four clearances and 432 metres gained on Saturday afternoon, with Richmond AFLW senior Coach Ryan Ferguson stating that “she was aggressive and took them on.”

“I think all of the fans want to see Ellie McKenzie do that again,” Ferguson said.

Following her three-goal haul, skipper Katie Brennan earned five coaches’ votes for the second consecutive week.

“She didn't kick any goals last week but was by far the most influential player on the ground, in my opinion. To back that up and set the tone early and lead by example for her team, and then the ability for her to finish was really pleasing,” he said.

Also earning five coaches’ votes was Poppy Kelly following her strong performance in the ruck.

Collecting 13 disposals, three marks and 37 hit-outs, Ferguson said the 25-year-old “asserted her authority on the game really early.”

“She’s getting to know her game a little bit better and is playing a really aggressive brand of footy at the moment, Ferguson said”

“I thought her assertiveness in the air and her follow-up on the ground really gave our midfielders a great opportunity to get to work,” he said.

Experienced AFLW winger Kate Dempsey (four votes) was influential in the Tigers’ 46-point win, collecting 19 disposals, five marks and three clearances.

In her first game of the season, dual All-Australian Eilish Sheerin earned three coaches’ votes.

The 31-year-old collected 16 disposals, six marks and seven tackles on Saturday afternoon.

Rounding out the vote-getters was midfielder Grace Egan (two votes), who Ferguson described as “really strong,” following her 19-disposal performance.

After receiving nine votes in Week 3, McKenzie currently sits in 10th place (15 votes) on the overall leaderboard.

Sydney v Richmond

9 Ellie McKenzie (RICH)
5 Katie Brennan (RICH)
5 Poppy Kelly (RICH)
4 Kate Dempsey (RICH)
3 Eilish Sheerin (RICH)
2 Grace Egan (RICH)
1 Lucy McEvoy (SYD)
1 Montana Ham (SYD)

LEADERBOARD

25 Ashleigh Riddell NMFC
24 Ebony Marinoff ADEL
24 Charlie Rowbottom GCFC
19 Ally Anderson BL
19 Abbie McKay CARL
18 Jasmine Garner NMFC
18 Anne Hatchard ADEL
15 Brittany Bonnici COLL
15 Amy McDonald GEEL
15 Ellie McKenzie RICH
15 Ella Roberts WCE
14 Zarlie Goldsworthy GWS
14 Mim Strom FRE
14 Julia Teakle PORT
13 Aileen Gilroy HAW
13 Tyanna Smith STK
12 Alison Drennan WCE
12 Blaithin Mackin MELB
12 Georgia Nanscawen ESS
12 Alyce Parker GWS