St Kilda midfielder Seb Ross has finished equal eighth in the 2017 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award, behind Brownlow Medal favourite Dustin Martin who polled a record amount of votes to narrowly beat Patrick Dangerfield.

Days after announcing his decision to recommit to Richmond by inking a highly lucrative seven-year deal, Martin (122 votes) won the prestigious Coaches Award by four votes from Geelong superstar Dangerfield (118), with Adelaide midfielder Rory Sloane (78) rounding out the top three.

Essendon young gun Zach Merrett (77) and Hawthorn ball magnet Tom Mitchell (76) finished just off the podium, along with Greater Western Sydney game breaker Josh Kelly (75) and second-year Demon Clayton Oliver (71).

Martin polled a perfect 10 votes – his eighth best on ground performance of 2017 – against the Saints in Round 23 to pass the record Dangerfield set last year by a solitary vote.

Ross was recognised for his career-best season with a spot amongst the game’s elite, finishing alongside Adelaide midfielder Matt Crouch and now three-time Brisbane best and fairest winner Dayne Zorko, who were both named in the All-Australian side last week.

The 24-year-old, who was included in the All-Australian squad with St Kilda defender Dylan Roberton, will enter next month’s Trevor Barker Award as the favourite after he played every game in his sixth season at Linen House Centre, averaging 29.9 disposals (No. 9 in the AFL), 9.8 contested possessions, 5.0 clearances, 4.3 tackles and 4.1 inside 50s.

Oliver was rewarded for his stunning year with the AFLCA’s best young player prize, which recognises the winner’s impact across their first two seasons after making their debut.

The Melbourne rising star won the award ahead of Geelong midfielder-forward Sam Menagola and teammate Christian Petracca.

2017 Shadforth Financial Group AFLCA Champion Player 
1. Dustin Martin (Richmond) 122
2. Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong) 118
3. Rory Sloane (Adelaide) 78
4. Zach Merrett (Essendon) 77
5. Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn) 76
6. Josh Kelly (Greater Western Sydney) 75
7. Clayton Oliver (Melbourne) 71
8. Matt Crouch (Adelaide) 68
8. Seb Ross (St Kilda) 68
8. Dayne Zorko (Brisbane Lions) 68