St Kilda ruckman Tom Hickey has received five coaches votes following his career-best performance against Port Adelaide on Sunday afternoon at Adelaide Oval.

The 25-year-old relished being handed the No. 1 ruck role against the Power, collecting career-high numbers in hitouts (56), hitouts to advantage (22) and disposals (20).

Hickey’s tapwork was so destructive he collected six more hitouts to advantage than any other ruckman in Round 1, emphasising his dominance in South Asutralia.

St Kilda coach Alan Richardson and Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley both handed their five votes to star midfielder Robbie Gray.

Reigning Trevor Barker Award winner Jack Steven earned three votes for his outstanding start to the season. The star onballer collected 36 possessions first up, to go with 547 metres of gained territory, eight inside 50s and seven clearances.