SAM Docherty continued to do his All-Australian chances no harm on Friday night with another starring role against Essendon.

With his first perfect 10 of the season, it was no surprise that Docherty polled maximum votes in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award.

Docherty led all comers with 33 disposals (29 effective) and 699 metres gained, which are all season-high totals for the man who continues to live up to his mantle as the AFL’s story of the season.

01:51

AFL R13 | Dashing Docherty dominates off half-back

Sam Docherty provided plenty of run in the win for Carlton with 33 disposals and over 700 metres gained.

It was the sixth time Docherty has received coaches’ votes in 2022, joining teammates Patrick Cripps, Charlie Curnow and Sam Walsh in the top 20 of the award in the process.

Meanwhile, Cripps was back amongst the votes for the first time since Round 8 after a blistering vote-getting start to the season.

With Harry McKay’s return to the side (Cripps last polled in McKay’s last game before injury), the captain was able to play his combative game around the contest once again without having to take on ruck duties around the ground. 

16:28

AFL R13 | The full Roaming Brian (Channel 7)

It was as weird and wonderful as we could've imagined: here's the first Carlton edition of Roaming Brian. Footage courtesy of Channel 7.

The end result was a performance which yielded 28 disposals, eight clearances and six coaches’ votes.

Carlton’s pillars at either end of the ground also featured, with McKay joining Lewis Young with five votes.

It was a dominant performance in the air from the reigning Coleman Medallist, who returned from knee surgery to once again partner strongly with Charlie Curnow. His three goals - which all came in the first half - helped set the tone for a ninth Carlton victory of the season.

At the other end, Young stood up in the absence of Jacob Weitering, ending with 14 intercept possessions - the most in his career - and 100 per cent disposal efficiency to clearly end the night as one of the Blues’ best.

Rounding out the votes was Nic Newman, making it three defenders from five polling Blues.

Continuing his consistent run of form this season which has seen him play every game, Newman’s ability to stand up defensively and also provide drive from the back half garnered two votes.

Round 13 votes:

10 - Sam Docherty (CARL)
6 - Patrick Cripps (CARL)
5 - Harry McKay (CARL)
5 - Lewis Young (CARL)
2 - Nic Newman (CARL)
2 - Dylan Shiel (ESS)