Sydney Swans utility Justin McInerney has started his season on a high, polling a perfect 10 votes from the coaches in Sydney's Opening Round win over Carlton.
The live wire kicked two goals in the space of two minutes to haul his side back into the contest in the third quarter.
He finished with a team-high 31 disposals and six inside 50s, including a third-term response of eight touches and three goals.
Errol Gulden was recognised for his strong performance with eight votes, the midfielder recording 27 disposals and 11 tackles.
Vice-captain Isaac Heeney led from the front with 20 disposals and two goals, to earn himself five votes, while fellow midfielder Chad Warner (20 disposals and one goal) polled one vote.
VOTES PLAYER (CLUB)
10 Justin McInerney (SYD)
8 Errol Gulden (SYD)
5 Isaac Heeney (SYD)
3 Tom McCartin (SYD)
3 Sam Walsh (CARL)
1 Chad Warner (SYD)
The AFL Coaches Association’s AFL Champion Player Award is an award voted by the 18 coaching panels on a 5,4,3,2,1 basis after each home and away game, acknowledging outstanding effort by an individual player in a season.
