Star Richmond key defender Alex Rance has received the maximum votes in the AFL Coaches Association’s Player of the Year award for last Friday night’s Round 15 match against Carlton at the MCG.

Rance collected 10 votes from respective coaches Damien Hardwick (Richmond) and John Barker (Carlton) for his dominant display across the backline in the Tigers’ 30-point win.

He finished the match with 22 disposals, including 10 contested possessions and took eight marks in a performance that further enhanced his reputation as the competition’s best key backman.

Hard-running Tiger Shaun Grigg was rated as the second best player afield, picking up eight votes from the coaches for his 25-disposal effort, which included 13 contested possessions, an equal game-high seven clearances and six score involvements.

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin continued his strong recent polling in the prestigious coaches award, obtaining five votes following another first-rate showing that netted him 23 disposals, including 11 contested possessions, six score involvements, five inside-50s and four clearances.

Four other players rounded out a clean sweep in the Round 15 voting for the Tigers – Brandon Ellis (three votes), Jack Riewoldt (two votes), Brett Deledio (one vote) and Shaun Hampson (one vote).

Full voting details for the Round 15 Richmond v Carlton match are:

10 – Alex Rance (Richmond)
8 – Shaun Grigg (Richmond)
5 – Trent Cotchin (Richmond)
3 – Brandon Ellis (Richmond)
2 – Jack Riewoldt (Richmond)
1 – Brett Deledio (Richmond)
1 – Shaun Hampson (Richmond)