The Sydney Swans held on to a two-point lead over the Western Bulldogs late in Round 18, with just two stars from the red and white polling in coaches votes this week. 

Errol Gulden was again a favourite among the 18 coaching panels after another consistent performance. He finished the game with 30 disposals and seven tackles, earning eight votes for his efforts. He now sits 15th on the overall leaderboard with 50 total votes. 

Tom Papley also received a mention with four votes, after kicking four majors on Thursday night. John Longmire revealed that Papley had a challenging start to the season and had played through broken ribs. 

"He's had some challenges this year," Longmire said of Papley post-game.

"He broke his ribs at the start of the year, and no-one probably knew about it, well no-one did know about it. And it was lingering for quite a while, then a number of other injuries that he's had has meant that he hasn't been able to train."

Round 18 Coaches Votes - Sydney Swans v Western Bulldogs

10 Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
8 Errol Gulden (SYD)
4 Tim English (WB)
4 Tom Papley (SYD)
3 Tom Liberatore (WB)
1 Aaron Naughton (WB)

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.

  • 00:38

    Mark of the Week - Round 18

    Buddy turns back the clock with a sensational one-handed mark to take this week's Mark of the Week, presented by QATAR Airways.

    AFL
  • 00:21

    Goal of the Week - Round 18

    Isaac Heeney shows his class with a wonderful snap to kickstart our third quarter against the Bulldogs.

    AFL
  • 02:03

    "To get the win for Horse's 300th means a lot" - Florent

    Hear from Oli Florent after the Swans nail-biting two point victory over the Bulldogs in Thursday Night Football.

    AFL
  • 07:40

    Full post-match, R18: Swans

    Watch Sydney's press conference after round 18's match against Western Bulldogs

    AFL
  • 00:34

    The perfect ending to Horse's 300th

    The perfect way to wrap up Horse's 300th . Moments that Matter presented by Fiserv

    AFL
  • 08:51

    Highlights: Sydney v Western Bulldogs

    See the highlights as the Swans and Bulldogs clashed in Round 18 at the SCG

    AFL
  • 00:51

    Gulden's bullet kicks continue to turn heads

    Errol Gulden showcases his stunning left foot with these eye-catching assists

    AFL
  • 03:19

    Last two mins: Swans soar to pinch thriller over Dogs

    Enjoy the thrilling final moments between Sydney and the Western Bulldogs in round 18, 2023

    AFL
  • 00:45

    Papley wins race as Swans see finish line

    Tom Papley notches his fourth goal of the game in the dying minutes to edge Sydney in front

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Heeney helps himself to crumbs for coolest of snaps

    Isaac Heeney curls a superb kick around the corner to extend the lead for the Swans

    AFL
  • 00:46

    Sydney Swans break all time membership record

    A huge THANK YOU from us to you, our red and white members.

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Pumped-up Papley brings usual energy in ripper

    Tom Papley celebrates in style after this beauty on the burst

    AFL
  • 01:27

    Round 18 Team Selection, presented by QBE

    Hear from Swans senior coach John Longmire as he goes over the three changes ahead of our clash with the Bulldogs.

    AFL

Don’t miss any of news of upcoming events, team news and more by signing up to our free e-Newsletter – sign up to MySwans.