Brandon Ellis has joined Trent Cotchin as Richmond’s most rewarded player in the AFL Coaches Association champion player of the year award, after 16 rounds.

Ellis received three votes from last Saturday’s win against Brisbane, to move to 36 for the season, tied with the Tigers’ skipper, who polled one vote against the Lions.

Shane Edwards was clearly the best player on the ground in the eyes of Damien Hardwick and Justin Leppitsch, winning nine of a possible 10 votes.

Key forward Ty Vickery scored seven votes for his four-goal performance, while defender Alex Rance was rewarded with five votes, for his shut-down role on Brisbane’s Daniel Merrett.

Dustin Martin has recorded the third most votes of any Richmond player so far this season, with 31.

Fremantle midfielder Nathan Fyfe leads the field overall after 16 rounds with 75 votes, three clear of the Gold Coast’s Gary Ablett.

Round 16 coaches votes - Richmond v Brisbane Lions 

Shane Edwards (Rich) - 9
Ty Vickery (Rich) - 7
Alex Rance (Rich) - 5
Brandon Ellis (Rich) - 3
Justin Clarke (Bris) - 2
Ivan Maric (Rich) - 2
Trent Cotchin (Rich) - 1
Pearce Hanley (Bris) - 1
 

Top Richmond players after 16 rounds

1. Trent Cotchin – 36 (polled votes in seven games)
1. Brandon Ellis – 36 (five)
3. Dustin Martin – 31 (seven)
4. Alex Rance – 17 (four)
5. Jack Riewoldt – 16 (three)