Dustin Martin has started strongly in defence of the AFL Coaches’ Association’s Player of the Year crown that he claimed last year.

The brilliant Richmond midfielder was awarded seven votes in the prestigious coaches’ award following a trademark dynamic display in last Thursday night’s 2018 opening round victory over Carlton at the MCG.

He finished the match with a team-high 32 disposals, including 17 contested possessions, six clearances, six inside-50s, an equal game-high 13 score involvements, game-high five score assists, 568 metres gained and a goal.

Star key forward Jack Riewoldt received three votes for the role he played in the Tigers’ win – 18 disposals, an equal team-high seven marks, six inside-50s, an equal game-high 13 score involvements and four goals.

Speedy, skilful small forward Dan Butler rounded out Richmond’s Round 1 votes in the AFLCA Player of the Year award.

He picked up two votes for his exciting exhibition on the night – 13 disposals, six inside-50s, nine score involvements, seven tackles, 344 metres gained and three goals.

Full voting details for the Round 1 Richmond v Carlton match are . . .

10 – Patrick Cripps (Carlton)

7 – Dustin Martin (Richmond)

6 – Kade Simpson (Carlton)

3 – Jack Riewoldt (Richmond)

2 – Dan Butler (Richmond)

2 – Charlie Curnow (Carlton)