The AFL Players’ Association has announced the nominees for this year’s Most Valuable Player Award, the Leigh Matthew Trophy.

Carlton’s Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs and Chris Yarran have been nominated alongside the likes of Adelaide’s Patrick Dangerfield, Geelong’s Joel Selwood and Sydney’s Lance Franklin.

Meanwhile Gold Coast Suns skipper Gary Ablett Jr is in line to win the award for the sixth time.

The award is voted on by the players and will be announced on Tuesday 9 September in Docklands.

Other awards to be presented on the night include the Robert Rose Most Courageous Award, for which vice-captain Kade Simpson has been nominated for the second year running.

Newcomer Blaine Johnson is in contention for the Best First Year Player Award, and Marc Murphy for the Best Captain.