In his post-match press conference, St Kilda Coach Alan Richardson labelled Blake Acres' performance as his best yet, and when the Coaches votes were released, the West Australian was the only Saint to be recognised.
The athletic midfielder earned Coaches votes for the second time in his career following Saturday night’s loss to North Melbourne, with Kangaroos duo Jamie Macmillan (nine votes) and Ben Cunnington (eight votes) the two standouts.
Acres, 20, earned two votes following one of the strongest showings of his 22-game career.
He gathered 22 possessions (10 contested), four tackles, four inside 50s and three clearances to be one of St Kilda’s more influential players on the night.
After acquiring a Rising Star nomination for his performance against Melbourne in Round 6 – an effort that also accrued six Coaches votes – Acres has been one of many young Saints to take steps forward in 2016.
Star midfielder Jack Steven remains on the Coaches Association champion player of the year leaderboard, sitting in equal tenth with Gold Coast key forward Tom Lynch on 60 votes.
Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield has opened up a seven vote lead at the top, ahead of former Adelaide teammate Rory Sloane (88 votes) and Richmond game breaker Dustin Martin (79 votes).
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Round 19 Coaches Votes
North Melbourne v St Kilda
9 Jamie Macmillan
8 Ben Cunnington
6 Drew Petrie
3 Sam Gibson
2 Blake Acres
2 Scott Thompson
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