St Kilda Captain Nick Riewoldt has been rewarded for another brilliant performance, earning nine votes from the coaches following his game against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Splitting his time between a wing and inside 50, the 33-year-old nearly willed the Saints to victory, kicking three important goals from a round-high 16 marks and 24 possessions.
Riewoldt and North Melbourne midfielder Ben Cunnington shared the spoils from Alan Richardson and Brad Scott, with the pair both receiving nine votes each.
Kangaroos vice-captain Jack Ziebell acquired five votes for his 28-possession effort, whilst reigning All Australian ruckman Todd Goldstein polled four votes.
Versatile defender Sam Gilbert was recognised for his telling performance from defensive 50 with two votes. The Saints veteran produced one of his strongest games in years, quelling Ben Brown and collecting 24 possessions, seven inside 50s and six rebound 50s.
Leigh Montagna continued his excellent start to the season across half-back, accumulating a game-high 34 disposals and 654 metres gained – the third most territory for the round - to collect one vote in the process.
After seven rounds, superstar Geelong pair Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood lead the AFL Coaches Association player of the year prize on 39 votes, ahead of Gold Coast Suns key forward Tom Lynch and Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney on 36.
AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year Votes
St Kilda v North Melbourne
Round 7
9 Nick Riewoldt
9 Ben Cunnington
5 Jack Ziebell
4 Todd Goldstein
2 Sam Gilbert
1 Leigh Montagna
Well played, Skip #Rooey #SainterOfTheDay #AFLSaintsNorth pic.twitter.com/K01fLHyt1U
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) May 8, 2016