CHRISTIAN Petracca was the best player on the ground in Round 12, polling eight votes in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award.

The Demons’ midfielder was influential in his side’s comeback victory over the Brisbane Lions on Friday night, with a dominant second half, in particular, at GIANTS Stadium.

Petracca recorded 26 disposals, 16 of which were contested, nine score involvements and nine clearances. He also managed 724 metres gained and kicked two big goals in Melbourne’s 22-point win.

Next best in the eyes of the coaches was fellow midfielder Clayton Oliver, who finished the night with 25 disposals, including 14 contested, eight clearances and five tackles.

His seven-vote performance sees him remain at the top of the leaderboard (68 votes), currently eight ahead of the Western Bulldogs’ Marcus Bontempelli.

Skipper Max Gawn’s effort saw him rewarded with six votes – he finished with 31 hit-outs, 17 disposals, four clearances and one goal – while Tom McDonald was also recognised for his three goals (one vote).

Brisbane’s Zac Bailey (seven votes) and Eric Hipwood (one vote) rounded out the top performers.

MELBOURNE v BRISBANE

8 – Christian Petracca

7 – Clayton Oliver

7 – Zac Bailey

6 – Max Gawn

1 – Tom McDonald

1 – Eric Hipwood

LEADERBOARD

68 – Clayton Oliver (MELB)

60 – Marcus Bontempelli (WB)

55 – Darcy Parish (ESS)

50 – Hugh McCluggage (BL)

49 – Max Gawn (MELB)

48 – Zach Merrett (ESS)

48 – Samuel Walsh (CARL)