St Kilda midfield pair Jack Steven and Seb Ross have shared the spoils from the coaches following their brilliant performances in Sunday’s 46-point win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

In a week where he re-signed with the Saints until the end of 2018, Ross collected nine votes from Alan Richardson and John Worsfold after he produced arguably the finest game of his blossoming career.

Ross, 23, gathered a handful of career-highs against the Bombers for possessions (37), contested possessions (16), clearances (eight) and inside 50s (six) to lead the Saints to a comprehensive victory in the midfield and on the scoreboard.

Two-time Trevor Barker Award winner Steven also acquired nine votes of his own from the coaches following his standout showing on Sunday night. The 25-year-old onballer was at his game breaking best, accumulating 40 disposals (the second most of his career), 574 metres gained, ten clearances, nine inside 50s and ten score involvements.

St Kilda spearhead Josh Bruce was also recognised for his stellar performance, receiving six votes after he booted 5.1 in the Saints’ third victory of 2016. Last year’s leading goal kicker played a significant role in turning the game in St Kilda’s favour in the third quarter, booting three important goals.

Fellow key forward Tim Membrey collected two votes of his own for his strong performance, acquiring Coaches Association votes for the second time in the space of a month. The powerfully built spearhead kicked 3.3 from 14 possessions and nine marks to continue his impressive run of form.

After nine rounds, there has been a bit of movement at the top of the Coaches Association votes with North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein (47 votes) and reigning champion player of the year Dan Hannebery (40 votes) moving into the top-three on the back of maximum 10-vote efforts at the weekend. Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield is sandwiched between the pair in second on 43 votes. 

AFL Coaches Association Round 9 Votes
St Kilda v Essendon

9 Seb Ross
9 Jack Steven
6 Josh Bruce
2 James Kelly
2 Tim Membrey
1 Matt Dea
1 Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti