Skipper Josh Kennedy led from the front against the Western Bulldogs last Thursday night, collecting 37 disposals, three tackles, a goal and seven votes in this year’s AFL Coaches Association’s Champion Player of the Year award.

Kennedy wasn’t the only Swan to impress in the 46-point win at the SCG, with six of his teammates also picking up votes from the coaches.

With 31 disposals and four tackles, young gun Isaac Heeney (six votes) was influential, as was Sam Reid (five votes) who took 10 marks and kicked two goals playing in attack.

Forward pair Tom Papley (four votes) and Lance Franklin (three) rounded out the votes alongside midfielder Luke Parker (three) and Heath Grundy (two).

Geelong skipper Joel Selwood leads this year’s race on 56 votes, just ahead of West Coast’s Elliot Yeo (55) and Richmond’s Dustin Martin (53).

Shadforth Financial Group AFLCA Champion Player of the Year – Round 12
7 – Josh Kennedy
6 – Isaac Heeney
5 – Sam Reid
4 – Tom Papley
3 – Lance Franklin
3 – Luke Parker
2 – Heath Grundy

2017 Leaderboard
56 – Joel Selwood (Geelong)
55 – Elliot Yeo (West Coast)
53 – Dustin Martin (Richmond)
53 – Rory Sloane (Adelaide)
50 – Gary Ablett (Gold Coast Suns)
47 – Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
46 – Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)
46 – Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
41 – Josh Kelly (GWS)
41 – Zach Merrett (Essendon)