The Sydney Swans experienced heartbreak in the final term of the Sydney Derby on Saturday when the team were beaten by cross-town rivals GWS by just one point. Despite the disappointing loss, two stars from the red and white earned recognition from the coaches in a race for the 2023 AFL Champion Player of the Year. 

Co-captain Luke Parker polled an impressive 8 votes after amassing 33 disposals and a final quarter goal. Parker is well known for his strong performance in the Sydney Derby with a record five Brett Kirk medals to his name and was once again close to another best on ground effort.

Peter Ladhams celebrated his 50th career game (and 18th for the Swans) on Saturday night in strong fashion with one his best performances in Swans colours, collecting five votes with 24 disposals and a long-range goal in the first quarter.

It's the first time Ladhams has featured in the 2023 Coaches Votes and Parker's second appearance. 

Round 7 Coaches Votes - Sydney v GWS

10 Toby Greene (GWS)
8 Luke Parker (SYD)
5 Peter Ladhams (SYD)
4 Harry Perryman (GWS)
2 Jack Buckley (GWS)
1 Stephen Coniglio (GWS)

The AFL Coaches Association’s AFL Champion Player Award is an award voted by the 18 coaching panels on a 5,4,3,2,1 basis after each home and away game, acknowledging outstanding effort by an individual player in a season.

Chad Warner leads the coaches votes for the Sydney Swans and sits 12th overall. 

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  • 06:19

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  • 00:38

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  • 09:12

    Longmire press conference - April 24th, 2023

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