Dynamic Richmond midfielder Dustin Martin has rocketed into sixth place in the prestigious AFL Coaches Association’s Player of the Year award after another perfect score this season.
Martin received the maximum 10 votes for his powerhouse performance in the Tigers’ 17-point victory over Gold Coast at the MCG last Sunday.
He finished with a game-high 38 disposals, including a game-high 15 contested possessions, an equal game-high eight inside-50s, team-high six clearances, an equal game-high 11 score involvements, four rebound-50s, four marks, four tackles and two goals.
Rival coaches Damien Hardwick (Richmond) and Rodney Eade (Gold Coast) subsequently had no hesitation in rewarding Martin with 10 out of 10.
He now has a total of 46 votes – 10 behind the leader, Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield (on 56).
Three other Tigers were awarded coaches votes in Round 12 – captain Trent Cotchin, Shaun Grigg and Shane Edwards.
Cotchin, who had 28 disposals, including nine contested possessions, seven inside-50s, seven tackles, five clearances, five rebound-50s, and a goal, picked up five votes.
Grigg, with 28 disposals, including 13 contested possessions, 10 marks, five clearances, four tackles and three inside-50s, was given four votes.
Two votes went the way of Edwards, who had 22 disposals, six inside-50s, five tackles, four marks, three clearances, plus three crucial goals.
Full voting details for the Round 12 Richmond v Gold Coast match are:
10 – Dustin Martin (Richmond)
5 – Trent Cotchin (Richmond)
5 – Tom Lynch (Gold Coast)
4 – Gary Ablett (Gold Coast)
4 – Shaun Grigg (Richmond)
2 – Shane Edwards (Richmond)