FOR THE first time this season, midfielder Sam Walsh has polled a perfect 10 votes in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award for Round 9.

Unanimously agreed as the best player on the ground by both coaches, Walsh gathered a team-high 31 disposals (15 contested) while he was also involved in eight scores and seven intercepts. 

A valuable piece of Carlton’s midfield, Walsh set the tone with two early goals and was heavily involved in all areas of the ground, contributing 372 metres gained and supporting in defence on numerous occasions.

Joining Walsh was his namesake, with Sam Docherty receiving eight votes for another stellar individual performance.

Not only did Docherty collect 28 disposals and eight intercepts with his defensive efforts, he once again contributed offensively, delivering a long-range goal from the centre square which effectively iced the contest.

George Hewett, Matthew Kennedy and Jacob Weitering all received three votes for their efforts across the midfield and backline respectively.

Weitering was particularly impressive in the second and third quarters, when Carlton’s backline was under fire from the determined GWS, gaining 447 metres and nine intercepts. 

Hewett was a welcome return to the midfield line-up, picking up eight clearances and 30 disposals, while Kennedy provided an important goal along with a game-high 11 clearances from 27 disposals.

The two midfield bulls were in part responsible for Carlton wrestling the game away from the Giants, stemming from a +34 differential in contested ball between the two sides.

Despite not polling any votes this week, Patrick Cripps still sits atop the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year leaderboard (53), sitting two votes clear of Clayton Oliver (51).

Round 9 votes:

10 - Sam Walsh (CARL)
8 - Sam Docherty (CARL)
3 - Matthew Kennedy (CARL)
3 - George Hewett (CARL)
3 - Jacob Weitering (CARL)
2 - Sam Taylor (GWS)
1 - Braydon Preuss (GWS)