THE FIRST votes have been polled in the race for the 2022 AFLCA Champion Player Award, with Melbourne’s Christian Petracca a standout.
The Melbourne midfielder collected a game-high 10 votes from the coaches following an outstanding Round 1 display of 38 disposals, 16 contested possessions, nine clearances and 869 metres gained.
Petracca also proved to be notable in front of goals, kicking two majors, one in the crucial final quarter that saw the Demons take control of the game and ultimately seal a 26-point win over the Western Bulldogs.
Ben Brown also featured in the vote-getters for the win, with the forward becoming top goal-kicker for the Demons. Brown booted three goals, while registering 13 disposals and nine marks.
Clayton Oliver and Ed Langdon were the remaining Demons to receive votes, while Aaron Naughton and Bailey Smith were the sole players from the Western Bulldogs to poll.
See the full votes from Round 1 below.
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
10 Christian Petracca (MELB)
6 Aaron Naughton (WB)
6 Ben Brown (MELB)
4 Bailey Smith (WB)
3 Clayton Oliver (MELB)
1 Ed Langdon (MELB)
Leaderboard
10 Patrick Cripps CARL
10 Patrick Dangerfield GEEL
10 Dan Houston PORT
10 Luke Parker SYD
10 Christian Petracca MELB
10 Matt Rowell GCFC
9 Jordan De Goey COLL
9 Patrick Lipinski COLL
9 Joshua Rachele ADEL
8 Andrew Brayshaw FRE
