St Kilda midfield recruit Jack Steele has been rewarded for his finest performance yet at AFL level with a full complement of votes from Alan Richardson and Adam Simpson.
The former Greater Western Sydney midfielder was pivotal in St Kilda’s eight-point win over West Coast at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Steele earned 10 coaches votes after collecting 26 disposals, 20 contested possessions – equal most of any player in Round 20 with Robbie Gray – 76.5 pressure points – 6th most for the round – 12 tackles, 10 clearances and two goals.
The 21-year-old also reduced the impact of West Coast star Luke Shuey, holding the reigning Eagles best and fairest winner to his lowest disposal haul of the year and his lowest since 2015.
Dual Coleman Medallist Josh Kennedy received five votes from Richardson and Simpson after he booted five goals to reduce the gap between him and Joe Daniher to just two goals, despite missing five games in the second half of this season.
South Australian midfielder Luke Dunstan continued his purple patch, earning another four votes after he set the tone early before finishing with 25 disposals, five tackles and four clearances.
Ruckman Billy Longer continued his strong season with another telling performance, this time amassing 51 hitouts against West Coast’s Drew Petrie, to go with six tackles, five clearances and four inside
After kicking the sealer in the dying seconds, classy forward Jack Billings received three votes, as did West Coast skipper Shannon Hurn, while former Eagle Koby Stevens earned one vote.
Brownlow Medal favourite Dustin Martin extended his lead over Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield to 10 votes with three games to play, after he collected three votes on Sunday.
Round 20 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year votes
St Kilda v West Coast
10 Jack Steele
5 Josh Kennedy
4 Luke Dunstan
4 Billy Longer
3 Jack Billings
3 Shannon Hurn
1 Koby Stevens
