AFLPA MVP Awards - Info, Predictions & Team by Team Nominees

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As we approach the end of the year, the arguably best indication of the 'Best Player in the AFL' comes to hand, being the;

AFL Players Association Most Valuable Player Awards

Last Year
Leigh Matthews Trophy (MVP)

Winner:
Nat Fyfe

Runners Up:
Gary Ablett
Lance Franklin
Dyson Heppell
Josh Kennedy
Scott Pendlebury
Tom Rockliff
Joel Selwood
Robbie Gray
Patrick Dangerfield


The Robert Rose Award (Most Courageous)

Winner:
Joel Selwood

Runners Up:
Callan Ward
Luke Hodge
Rory Sloane
Ben McGlynn


Best First Year Player

Winner:
Marcus Bontempelli

Runners Up:
Luke Dunstan
Lewis Taylor
Zach Merrett
Luke McDonald


Best Captain

Winner:
Luke Hodge

Runners Up:
Joel Selwood
Gary Ablett
Travis Boak
Nick Riewoldt


Brief, Optional Prediction Template
Copy, Fill and Comment

MVP:
Most Courageous:
Best First Year Player:
Best Captain:
Notable Runners Up:

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Leigh Matthews Trophy - MVP

Voting

Nominees by Club

Adelaide Crows

Brisbane Lions

Carlton Blues

Collingwood Magpies

Essendon Bombers

Fremantle Dockers

Geelong Cats

Gold Coast Suns

Greater Western Sydney Giants

Hawthorn Hawks

Melbourne Demons

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Adelaide Crows

Eddie Betts: The Adelaide goal-sneak has managed the best season of his 11-year career in 2015, kicking a career-high 52 goals to sit third on the Coleman Medal table after Round 21. As the Crows surge towards a finals berth in two weeks’ time, Betts has led the way on the scoreboard with the uncanny knack of slotting majors â€" either by set shot or on the run â€" from deep in the pocket. Brownlow Odds: $1001

Rory Laird: Arguably the most improved player in the competition, Laird has gone from cementing his place in Adelaide’s 22 in 2014 to being on the cusp of All-Australian selection at season’s end. The 21-year-old has averaged 24 disposals in 2015, but it’s his competitiveness and team-first attitude that’s won pundits over. Rarely lowering his colours, Laird will be one of the club’s most important players if the Crows are to feature in September. Brownlow Odds: N/A

Patrick Dangerfield: Having arguably a career-best season, Dangerfield’s see-ball-get-ball attitude has been one of the highlights of 2015. Averaging 26 disposals per game, the 25-year-old has continually proven himself as one of the competition’s best baller-winners, ranking fifth in the competition for contested possessions. Highlighted by his outrageous 29 contested possessions while opposed to Nat Fyfe in Round 9, Dangerfield often finishes games a little worse for wear due to his raging-bull approach.



Brownlow Odds: $7

[Pkbaldy]

MVP: Todd Goldstein

Runners Up:
Nat Fyfe
Easton Wood
Patrick Dangerfield
Robbie Gray
Scott Pendlebury

Most Courageous: Steve Morris

Runners Up:
Jack Viney
Callan Ward
Luke Hodge
Joel Selwood

Best First Year Player: Patrick Cripps

Runners Up:
Jesse Hogan
Dom Sheed
Adam Saad
Jake Lever

Best Captain: Shannon Hurn

Runners Up:
Bob Murphy
Travis Boak
Luke Hodge
Nick Riewoldt

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Brisbane Lions

Dayne Beams: The former Magpie has been outstanding in his first season up north. His first MVP nomination for the Brisbane Lions is evidence that, after just 16 games with the club, he is already highly respected by his teammates. The 25-year-old has led the Lions in disposals, clearances and inside 50s this season, and ranks in the competition’s top 20 for centre clearances. He’s also proven himself to be a leader, evidenced as early as Round 3, when coach Justin Leppitsch praised Beams for his performance without the support of captain Tom Rockliff and senior defender Pearce Hanley. Brownlow Odds: $1001

Stefan Martin: After an outstanding second half of 2014, Stefan Martin carried his impressive form into the new year, averaging more hitouts (31 per game) than ever, while still getting plenty of the ball. The 28-year-old former Demon has averaged 21 disposals per game in his third season at Brisbane; his ability to bring midfielders such as Dayne Beams, Tom Rockliff and Daniel Rich into the game has ensured he’s remained one of the Lions’ most valuable players. Brownlow Odds: N/A

Dayne Zorko: In a difficult year for the Brisbane Lions, Dayne Zorko has provided many of the club’s highlights. The speedy midfielder/forward has led his side for running bounces this season (along with Lewis Taylor), regularly breaking the game open and providing the Lions with some of their best forays inside 50. Averaging more than 22 disposals, four tackles and three inside 50s per game in 2015, Zorko has kicked multiple goals in five games so far this season.



Brownlow Odds: $1001

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Carlton Blues

Marc Murphy: Murphy has continued his stellar career in 2015, relishing the captaincy and putting up his hand for a second All-Australian berth. The 28 year-old’s disposal count was elite, ranking 19th in the AFL and first at Carlton, including a season-high 37 touches against the Hawks in round 17 in what’s been his best season since winning the club’s best and fairest and the AFL Coaches’ Association Champion Player of the Year Award in 2011. Brownlow Odds: $501

Sam Docherty: Docherty has been a revelation off back half for the Blues in 2015, proving to be one of the bargain recruits of recent years. Averaging over 20 disposals a game and leading the Blues for rebounds, the ex-Lion showed his class in round 16 against Fremantle, registering 27 disposals and a goal. Brownlow Odds: N/A

Patrick Cripps: The 20 year-old Blue, known by recruiters as “The Extractor” has been prolific in Carlton’s midfield in 2015, averaging 22 disposals and more than five tackles per game. The 194cm star picked up an astonishing 23 contested possessions against St Kilda in round 4 and looms as one of the favourites to take out this year’s Rising Star award.



Brownlow Odds: $501

[Spite]

I like Baguley but when he is nominated as your 3rd best player, you have issues...

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Collingwood Magpies

Scott Pendlebury: Another stellar season from the Collingwood skipper sees him a logical choice as an MVP nominee. Averaging 29 disposals, five tackles and five clearances a game in 2015, the 27-year-old’s form has gotten better as the season’s worn on. Always poised with ball in hand, Pendlebury seems to slow down time in contested situations and is a creative influence throughout the middle part of the ground, but can also drift forward and impact the scoreboard when given the opportunity. His efforts in Round 14 against the Hawks in what coach Nathan Buckley described as his “best game for the club” resulted in 37 disposals, 10 tackles, 10 clearances, six inside 50s and 20 contested possessions. Brownlow Odds: $21

Dane Swan: Nearly back to his best after an average 2014 by his lofty standards, Swan has found the ball with ease throughout the season. The 31-year-old has had ten games of more than 30 disposals, including a 41-possession, three-goal effort in Round 19 against old rivals Carlton. After kicking only 11 goals last year, Swan also managed to impact the scoreboard more in 2015, averaging a goal per game across his 18 matches. Brownlow Odds: $81

Steele Sidebottom: After missing a large chunk at the start of 2015, Sidebottom returned with a vengeance in Round 8 against the Suns, collecting 32 disposals and five tackles, and the 24-year-old never looked back. In his 11 matches since returning from injury, the 24-year-old collected more than 30 disposals on six occasions, including a high of 38 touches and six rebound 50s against the Eagles in Round 16. Coming of age in the last couple of seasons, Sidebottom is considered a future leader of the club and one of their more important players in a young side.



Brownlow Odds: $501

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Essendon Bombers

Michael Hurley: A spirited season from the 25-year-old sees him on the cusp of a his first All-Australian selection, having well and truly staked his claim as one of the best key defenders in the game. Hurley played on the opposition’s best tall forward most weeks and was rarely beaten; strong performances on the likes of Jarryd Roughead and Lance Franklin put to bed any questions of whether he should play as a forward or a backman. The 193cm Bomber ranks equal-third in the competition for rebound 50s this season and is averaging 21 disposals per game in a career-best year. Brownlow Odds: $1001

Cale Hooker: Has backed up his 2014 All-Australian with another strong season. One of the most important players for the Bombers, Hooker started at his usual intercepting best down back before swinging forward in the second half of the year and booting 15 goals in his last eight outings. Hooker has ranked third in the competition for marks in a trying season for the 26-year-old. Brownlow Odds: N/A

Mark Baguley: The hard-working defender has had a career-best season in 2015, in a defence that’s often been under siege. Baguley never gives his opponents an inch and always puts his body on the line for his teammates â€" it’s not hard to see why they’ve nominated him for the MVP Award. Now 28 years old and with 70 games under his belt, Baguley has averaged 17 disposals this season, while regularly nullifying the opposition’s best small forwards.



Brownlow Odds: N/A

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Fremantle Dockers

Nat Fyfe: Fyfe has enjoyed a career-best season, averaging a career-high 29 disposals per game in 2015. Dominating the first-half of the season, Fyfe was an overwhelming favourite for the Brownlow Medal before missing rounds 18 and 19 due to a groin injury. The 23 year-old midfielder’s most prolific game came against Adelaide in round 9, where he gathered 40 disposals, 26 contested, laid six tackles and kicked a goal. Brownlow Odds: $1.95

Stephen Hill: Continuing his rise toward becoming an elite player, Hill is in career-best form for the Dockers in 2015. The 25-year-old speedster has become one of the most damaging outside players in the League, and is always dangerous with space between him and the goals. Hill has averaged 24 disposals a game throughout the year, with a 30-disposal and three-goal effort against the Eagles in Round 3 the standout. Brownlow Odds: $501

David Mundy: The veteran midfielder has shown no signs of slowing down in 2015, breaking his personal record in disposals and tackles per game, averaging 26 disposals and seven clearances across the year. Consistency has been a hallmark of his season, playing every home and away game, and registering less than 20 disposals on only one occasion in what has been a career-best season. His match-winning goal in the dying seconds against Richmond in Round 17 was one of the highlights of Fremantle’s season.



Brownlow Odds: $23

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Geelong Cats

Joel Selwood: The Geelong skipper has been a picture of consistency in 2015, with another season at his best. King of the contested footy, Selwood’s never-say-die attitude ensured he remains one the most revered figures in the game. When the chips are down, he’s often been the player to single-handedly lift his side. It’s no surprise to see his teammates acknowledge him with another MVP nomination. The 27-year-old is averaging 24 disposals, six tackles, seven clearances, and 14 contested possessions a game in another first-class year. Brownlow Odds: N/A

Mark Blicavs: A breakout season from the former steeplechaser has seen him rewarded with his first Most Valuable Player nomination. Blicavs has stamped himself as one of the hardest-working ruckman in the game, with an ability to cover the ground and play as an extra midfielder after the ball hits the deck. Showing run-with capabilities as well as ball-winning skills, the 24-year-old has exceeded double-figures for tackles on three occasions so far in 2015. He dominated proceedings with 27 disposals, 16 contested possessions and seven clearances while shadowing Scott Pendlebury in Round 6. Brownlow Odds: $501

Corey Enright: It’s hard to believe he’s nearly 34-years-old and still one of the game’s best rebounding defenders. The five-time All-Australian’s numbers have been at their consistent best in 2015, averaging 22 disposals and four rebounds for the season. As the side garners a more youthful look, Enright’s poise and experience down back will be extremely valuable if he decides to go on in 2016.



Brownlow Odds: $1001

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Gold Coast Suns

Tom Lynch: The tall forward came on in leaps and bounds in 2014 but has developed even further this season and become a more rounded player. Lynch surpassed the 40-goal mark for the second consecutive year, kicking three or more majors on nine occasions. Regarded as a leader at the club, the 22-year-old captained the Suns in the absence of Gary Ablett and Michael Rischitelli in their Round 18 clash with West Coast, where he kicked the goal to draw the match seconds before the final siren sounded. Brownlow Odds: N/A

Steven May: The hard-nosed defender has become a general down back and is one of the club’s most important players. Despite an interrupted 2015, May has been in scintillating form since returning from a groin injury in Round 13 and has more than held his own against the likes of Jarryd Roughead and Jack Riewoldt, and kept a rampant Josh Kennedy to two goals. The 23-year-old is third in the competition for one-percenters and is averaging 14 disposals and four rebounds in a career-best season. Brownlow Odds: N/A

Michael Rischitelli: The Gold Coast veteran has returned to the 2010/2011 form that saw him claim a Brisbane best and fairest in his final year at the Lions. The 29-year-old is averaging 22 disposals, six tackles and five clearances a game in 2015, and is one of the hardest-working midfielders in the competition. Currently ninth in the League for tackles, Rischitelli has led the developing Suns superbly in the absence of captain Gary Ablett for most of the year.



Brownlow Odds: N/A

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Greater Western Sydney Giants

Heath Shaw: The speedy premiership player is arguably having a career-best season in 2015, averaging a career-high 24 disposals and seven rebound 50s per game. The 29-year-old is leading the competition for rebound 50s and running bounces and has become an integral part of the GWS line-up, adding valuable experience as one of the club’s leaders. 2015 could be the year the dashing defender is awarded his first All-Australian blazer. Brownlow Odds: $501

Callan Ward: The hard-nosed midfielder continued his warrior-like approach in 2015, averaging a career-high 25 disposals, five tackles and six clearances. The bumps and bruises haven’t stopped the 25-year-old from featuring in every game so far this season, with 32 disposals, 12 tackles, 10 clearances and a goal against Brisbane in Round 10 a highlight for the co-captain as he led the Giants into finals contention. Brownlow Odds: $501

Shane Mumford: Last year’s best and fairest winner looked set to repeat his 2014 efforts before an ankle reconstruction ended his season. The bullocking ruckman was averaging more than six tackles and three clearances a game and was the barometer for the young Giants performances. A fan favourite, the 29-year-old has been an important battering ram around stoppages for the developing side.



Brownlow Odds: N/A

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Hawthorn Hawks

Sam Mitchell: At 32 years of age, the triple premiership Hawk is in arguably the best form of his career. Mitchell has been a proficient ball-winner and distributor for many years and 2015 is no exception, averaging more than 30 disposals per game â€" the most in the competition â€" for the second time in his 14-year career. Now with an extra layer of versatility added to his game, Mitchell is one of the favourites for this year’s Brownlow Medal and would be a worthy winner of the AFL Players’ MVP Award. In another consistent season, the veteran has had 30 disposals or more in 11 matches throughout 2015. Brownlow Odds: $12

Cyril Rioli: The excitement machine confirmed his status as one of the game’s best small forwards in 2015 where he was at his freakish best doing things statistics can’t measure. Many believe Rioli is having the best season of his career; the 26-year-old looks likely to hit the 40-goal mark for the first time. Making the most of his limited possessions, Rioli can impact a game like no other, as highlighted by his six goals from ten kicks against Geelong in Round 20. Brownlow Odds: $1001

Luke Hodge: Hodge is another of Hawthorn’s older brigade that doesn’t seem to be slowing up. The premiership skipper has a knack for playing well in big games â€" as seen when he kicked three goals from 31 disposals against Fremantle in Round 15 â€" and his leadership and versatility remains one of Hawthorn’s biggest weapons. Averaging 27 disposals, the 31-year-old with an eye on a fourth premiership is likely to be in line for a fourth All-Australian selection at season’s end.



Brownlow Odds: N/A

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Melbourne Demons

Bernie Vince: Having his best season since winning Adelaide’s best and fairest in 2009, Vince has played a more selfless role in the Melbourne engine room, adding an ability to run with the opposition’s best midfielder to his outstanding ball-winning ability. The 29-year-old is averaging nearly five tackles and five clearances per game for the first time in his 11-year career, including a rare purple-patch mid-season where he averaged 31 disposals and kicked seven goals between Rounds 10 and 18. Brownlow Odds: $251

Jesse Hogan: Arguably the most exciting young key forward in the game, Hogan has lived up to the ‘next big thing’ hype after bursting onto the scene in Round 1 this year, kicking more than 40 goals in his first full season. Going goalless just once throughout his 19 AFL matches, the 20-year-old has become the focal point in attack for the Demons and is ranked third in the competition for contested marks. Hogan  has kicked multiple goals on 13 occasions this season, including a five-goal haul against the Saints in Round 11. Brownlow Odds: N/A

Nathan Jones: The three-time best and fairest winner’s work rate hasn’t wavered in his first season as the Demon’s sole skipper. Still only 27-years-old, Jones often takes on the bulk of the grunt work in the midfield while also wearing a significant amount of attention from the opposition each week. Extremely durable, Jones was at his best during the Round 12 win down at Kardinia Park, collecting 35 disposals and seven clearances in trying conditions as his side overcame the Cats in one of the more significant wins in the Demons’ recent history.



Brownlow Odds: $251