Rory Laird was judged equal-best afield by the coaches in Adelaide’s Round One loss to Essendon.
Laird and Bombers captain Dyson Heppell each received six votes from Don Pyke and John Worsfold.
Laird matched his career-high of 40 disposals (at 87.5 per cent efficiency) and was the 10th ranked player for the round according to Champion Data.
The All Australian defender was at his intercepting best with 15 possession gains – only North Melbourne defender Scott Thompson (17) had more intercept possessions over the weekend.
Laird, 24, also recorded a game-high eight rebound 50ms and eight marks.
Star recruit Bryce Gibbs was the only other Crow to be recognised by the coaches.
Gibbs set a new Club record for most disposals on debut with 35 to go with two goals, eight inside 50ms and seven clearances in an impressive first-up performance.
Read our full statistical wrap
Heppell and fellow midfielder David Zaharakis, who was awarded four votes, each finished with 35 disposals in Essendon’s 12-point win.
Veteran Brendon Goddard (29 disposals and a goal) and defender Michael Hurley (28 disposals and seven marks) earned five votes apiece.
Three-goal forward James Stewart rounded out the voting with two.
Four players share top spot on the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Leaderboard after one round.
Carlton midfielder Patrick Cripps, Hawthorn ball magnet Tom Mitchell, Sydney Swans match winner Lance Franklin and three-time St Kilda best-and-fairest winner Jack Steven all polled perfect 10s.
Adelaide v Essendon
6 – Rory Laird (Adelaide)
6 – Dyson Heppell (Essendon)
5 – Brendon Goddard (Essendon)
5 – Michael Hurley (Essendon)
4 – David Zaharakis (Essendon)
2 – Bryce Gibbs (Adelaide)
2 – James Stewart (Essendon)
AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Leaderboard
10 – Patrick Cripps (Carlton)
10 – Lance Franklin (Sydney Swans)
10 – Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn)
10 – Jack Steven (St Kilda)
9 – Jeremy Cameron (GWS Giants)
9 – Max Gawn (Melbourne)
8 – Darcy Byrne-Jones (Port Adelaide)
8 – Brad Ebert (Port Adelaide)
8 – Lachie Whitfield (GWS Giants)
7 – Blake Acres (St Kilda)
7 – Jarrod Harbrow (Gold Coast Suns)
7 – Dustin Martin (Richmond)
7 – Luke Parker (Sydney Swans)
7 – Aaron Young (Gold Coast Suns)
