Dustin Martin has regained the lead in the AFL Coaches Association’s Player of the Year award.
Another ‘perfect’ performance from the brilliant midfielder, in Richmond’s spirited 19-point win against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG last Sunday, puts him one vote ahead of Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield (92 to 91), with Hawthorn’s Tom Mitchell in third place (69 votes), after 18 home-and-away rounds of season 2017.
Martin received 10 votes from respective coaches Damien Hardwick (Richmond) and Leon Cameron (GWS) for his dynamic display in the wet conditions.
He finished with a team-high 31 disposals, a game-high 17 contested possessions, game-high 11 clearances, game-high five centre clearances, game-high 10 inside-50s, game-high eight score involvements, four marks, four tackles, one goal and a team-high 582 metres gained.
It’s the seventh time this season that Martin has polled maximum votes in the prestigious coaches’ award.
Richmond captain Trent Cotchin picked up six votes following his inspirational efforts throughout the match.
Cotchin had 27 disposals, with 10 contested possessions, four clearances, four marks, seven tackles and 393 metres gained.
Nick Vlastuin gained five votes for his strong and bold efforts across the Tigers’ backline in the Round 18 clash.
He collected 21 disposals, including nine contested possessions, a game-high eight rebound-50s, team-high 13 intercepts and took a game-high 11 marks (with an equal game-high five intercept grabs).
Full voting details for the Round 18 Richmond v GWS match are . . .
10 – Dustin Martin (Richmond)
6 – Trent Cotchin (Richmond)
5 – Phil Davis (GWS)
5 – Nick Vlastuin (Richmond)
4 – Callan Ward (GWS)