In-form midfielder Matt Crouch earned the nod for best on ground in Adelaide’s win over Essendon.
Crouch received nine votes from coaches Don Pyke and John Worsfold on Saturday night.
The left-footer amassed 35 possessions (at 83 per cent efficiency) to be the leading disposal winner in the match at Etihad Stadium.
Of Crouch’s possessions, 20 were contested – a game high. He also topped the clearance count (seven) and assisted in two goals in his team’s 43-point win.
The 22-year-old, who is firming for All-Australian selection, has now polled 47 votes in the AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year award behind only star onballer Rory Sloane (69) at Adelaide.
Damaging half-back Brodie Smith received seven votes against the Bombers.
Smith finished gained more metres (575) than any other player on the ground and kicked two classy goals from 23 disposals. He took a career-high 10 running bounces, hauled in nine marks and laid five jarring tackles.
Wingman Rory Atkins attracted five votes for his performance, which included 27 possessions at an elite 92.6 per cent efficiency. Atkins took seven marks, generated six inside 50ms and assisted in two goals as well as kicking one of his own.
Crows Richard Douglas and Josh Jenkins each received three votes.
Douglas continued his hot streak with two goals from 23 touches. The hard-running veteran was also a standout defensively, ranked second for the round in scores from turnovers forced.
Jenkins took an equal-game high 11 marks and kicked three goals opposed largely to All Australian contender and good mate, Michael Hurley. The key-position forward finished with 21 touches.
Get a full statistical wrap of Adelaide’s win over Essendon in By the Numbers
Impressive first-year Andrew McGrath was the only Bomber to feature in the voting. The Rising Star fancy held star Crow Eddie Betts goalless from seven possessions, while chalking up 25 disposals and eight marks himself.
Five players earned maximum votes on the weekend: West Coast goalkicker Josh Kennedy, Sydney Swans midfielder Luke Parker, Hawthorn wingman Isaac Smith, Brisbane Lions captain Dayne Beams and Geelong swingman Harry Taylor.
Despite not polling a vote in Richmond’s loss to the Cats, Brownlow Medal favourite Dustin Martin remains on top of the overall leaderboard.
Reigning Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield has closed to within five votes of Martin after being judged second-best on ground at Simonds Stadium on Saturday.
Adelaide v Essendon
9 – Matt Crouch (Adel)
7 – Brodie Smith (Adel)
5 – Rory Atkins (Adel)
3 – Richard Douglas (Adel)
3 – Josh Jenkins (Adel)
3 – Andrew McGrath (Ess)
Round 21 Leaderboard
104 – Dustin Martin (Rich)
99 – Patrick Dangerfield (Geel)
69 – Tom Mitchell (Haw)
69 – Rory Sloane (Adel)
67 – Zach Merrett (Ess)
66 – Clayton Oliver (Melb)
66 – Dayne Zorko (BL)
65 – Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
65 – Josh Kelly (GWS)
61 – Gary Ablett (GC)
61 – Joel Selwood (Geel)
Crows Leaderboard
69 – Rory Sloane
47 – Matt Crouch
42 – Taylor Walker
39 – Rory Laird
34 – Sam Jacobs
25 – Jake Lever
22 – Brad Crouch
22 – Tom Lynch
22 – Brodie Smith
19 – Eddie Betts
19 – Richard Douglas
16 – Rory Atkins
12 – Charlie Cameron
8 – Josh Jenkins
2 – Luke Brown
2 – Hugh Greenwood
2 – Kyle Hartigan
1 – Jake Kelly
1 – David Mackay
