James Rowbottom and Errol Gulden have blitzed coaches votes after Round 15 earning nine votes each. The midfielders proved to be important in helping secure a 27-point win over the GWS Giants in Sydney Derby XXVIII despite the wet and windy conditions.

Rowbottom, who is currently ranked second in the league for tackles, landed six against GWS and finished the game with 32 disposals and a game-high 11 clearances.

Gulden was a prolific ball user and closed out the game with 41 disposals, seven inside 50s and one goal. His performance was recognised on the night when he was awarded the Brett Kirk medal for best on ground - the midfielder joins Luke Parker as the only other player to win three consecutive medals. 

02:31

“We all brought our strengths and played our role.” - Gulden

Hear from the three-time Brett Kirk Medallist who spoke about the honour of claiming the medal, the side’s start and performance, the strength of the midfield, celebrating the little things and more

Brodie Grundy enjoyed another consistent performance with 28 disposals and 31 hit outs, earning six votes. Heeney finished Round 15 with 10 total clearances and seven tackles, earning four votes. 

The Swans have three players in the top 10 of the overall leaderboard. Heeney leads with 89 votes, Gulden sits in fourth with 62 votes and Warner is placed in eighth position with 55. 

VOTES PLAYER (CLUB)

9 Errol Gulden (SYD)
9 James Rowbottom (SYD)
6 Brodie Grundy (SYD)
4 Isaac Heeney (SYD)
2 Tom Green (GWS)

Click here to view the full Champion Player of the Year Award Leaderboard.

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.

The team will appear at the SCG this week for a Saturday afternoon clash with Fremantle. Head to the Match Day Hub for everything you need to know. 

LOOK BACK ON ROUND 15

  • 00:24

    Mark of the Week - Round 15

    A dash through stoppage by Rowbottom leads to an impressive contested mark up the field from McDonald. Mark of the Week, presented by QATAR Airways.

    AFL
    Mark of the Week
  • 00:32

    Goal of the Week - Round 15

    An elite kick from Errol and incredible shot from Chad Warner earns Goal of the Week for Round 15.

    AFL
    Goal of the Week
  • 02:31

    “We all brought our strengths and played our role.” - Gulden

    Hear from the three-time Brett Kirk Medallist who spoke about the honour of claiming the medal, the side’s start and performance, the strength of the midfield, celebrating the little things and more

    AFL
  • 02:11

    “It’s always something I relish and something I don't shy away from.” - Rowbottom

    Hear from midfielder James Rowbottom who shared his thoughts on Swans victory, the confidence in the side and embracing the challenge each week. The bullocking onballer gathered a career-high 31 disposals along with game-highs for clearances (11) and score involvements (10).

    AFL
  • 09:20

    Post-Match Press Conference: Round 15

    Watch Sydney’s press conference after the Round 15 match against GWS.

    AFL
  • 02:18

    Errol keeps on rolling with third straight Brett Kirk Medal

    Errol Gulden adds yet another Brett Kirk medal to his impressive resume with a remarkable 41 disposals and a goal

    AFL
  • 00:41

    Team Song: Sydney

    Watch the Swans celebrate their round 15 win

    AFL
  • 06:43

    Highlights: GWS v Sydney

    The Giants and Swans clash in round 15

    AFL
  • 00:45

    Right place, right time for Swans debutant

    Sydney first-gamer Caiden Cleary joins the one kick, one goal club after a quick handball from teammate Will Hayward

    AFL
  • 00:36

    Swans siege continues with stars on fire

    Tom Papley and Will Hayward combine to pile on the pressure in a textbook Sydney surge

    AFL
  • 00:28

    Lethal Lloyd leaves his mark with rocket

    Jake Lloyd launches an absolute pearler as the Swans start to take full control

    AFL
  • 00:33

    Papley punishes haphazard Giants

    Tom Papley unleashes a monster goal into an open forward line after the Giants fumble the ball

    AFL