Star St Kilda midfielder Seb Ross has hit a purple patch of form recently, bettering a career-high 40-disposal haul against the Bulldogs last week with a monumental 43 touches on Friday night in the loss to Essendon.

His dominant showing against the Bombers, albeit in a losing side, earned him five votes in the 2018 Shadforth Financial Group AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award.

READ: Pierce, Ross fight on

In his 100^th game, the 25-year-old was the sole Saint to poll any votes, working himself to exhaustion and willing his side forward when his teammates seemingly faded.

Ross’s prolific numbers tell the story well; among his game-high 43 disposals (at an astonishing 86% efficiency rating) were nine contested possessions, 12 score involvements, nine inside-50s, five clearances and four tackles.

WATCH: Seb hits 100 games

The 2017 Trevor Barker Award winner has been one of the Saints’ most consistent performers in 2018, averaging 29.7 disposals and four tackles per game.

“Seb Ross in his 100^th was really strong again,” Richardson said post-match.

“He’s been a terrific player for us, our reigning club champion – he plays the right way, Seb – and he did himself proud tonight with the way he played.”