LAUREN Pearce’s dominant rucking performance against the Lions has earned her 10 votes in the AFL Coaches Association AFLW Champion Player of the Year award.
Pearce was a major factor in Melbourne’s 39-point victory at Hickey Park and was recognised by both coaches to receive top votes for the game.
The 26-year-old was hugely influential, giving her midfielders first use of the ball all day, as well as contributing with 21 disposals in a stunning effort at ground level.
This best afield performance sees Pearce climb to second on the AFLW leaderboard with 18 votes – equal with teammate Karen Paxman.
Paxman was another Demon to shine in the centre against Brisbane, racking up 24 touches and booting a second-quarter goal to secure seven votes.
Aliesha Newman also scored seven votes for her classy three-goal performance.
In defence, Harriet Cordner received some well-earned recognition for her shut-down role on Sabrina Frederick-Traub, keeping the dangerous Lions forward to just four disposals.
All 20 votes from Round 3’s match were awarded to Melbourne players, with Bianca Jakobsson and Elise O’Dea rounding out the list with one-vote each.
AFLCA Votes
Round 3: Brisbane v Melbourne
10 – Lauren Pearce (MELB)
7 – Aliesha Newman (MELB)
7 – Karen Paxman (MELB)
4 – Harriet Cordner (MELB)
1 – Bianca Jakobsson (MELB)
1 – Elise O’Dea (MELB)
AFLW Leaderboard:
19 – Ellie Blackburn (WBD)
18 – Karen Paxman (MELB)
18 – Lauren Pearce (MELB)
16 – Kiara Bowers (FREM)
16 – Ebony Marinoff (ADEL)
16 – Erin Phillips (ADEL)
