St Kilda midfielder David Armitage has earned eight votes from the coaches following his strongest showing of 2016 against Fremantle on Saturday night.
Alan Richardson and Ross Lyon recognised the star onballer following his impressive effort in St Kilda’s 34-point win over the Dockers.
Armitage, 27, collected 28 possessions, 17 tackles (two off the all-time record), 14 contested possessions, seven clearances and one goal, as well as limiting the influence of Fremantle star Lachie Neale late in the piece.
Two-time Trevor Barker Award winner Jack Steven acquired six votes of his own following another strong effort. The ball-magnet collected a game-high 32 disposals at 84.4 per cent efficiency, 14 contested possessions, nine tackles and six clearances against the Dockers to continue his blistering form.
Saints Captain Nick Riewoldt and defender Dylan Roberton received five votes each for their performances on the weekend. Riewoldt hauled in another 11 marks, to go with 24 possessions and two final quarter goals.
While Roberton, against his old team, collected the second highest possession tally of his career with 29 touches, as well as accumulating a game-high 11 rebound 50s and ten contested possessions.
Experienced defenders Sam Fisher and Jarryn Geary rounded out the votes, receiving two and one respectively following their strong efforts on potent opposition.
Fisher restricted Fremantle champion Matthew Pavlich’s influence, holding the former captain to just eight disposals, one mark and one goal. Whilst Geary clamped 2014 All Australian forward Hayden Ballantyne, keeping him goalless from six touches.
2015 winner Dan Hannebery has hit the front of the Coaches Player of the Year on 49 votes after he received nine votes against North Melbourne. Kangaroos ruckman Todd Goldstein sits in second place on 47 votes, three ahead of Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield.
AFL Coaches Association
Round 10 Player of the Year
St Kilda v Fremantle
8 David Armitage
6 Jack Steven
5 Nick Riewoldt
5 Dylan Roberton
3 Lachie Neale
2 Sam Fisher
1 Jarryn Geary
