Star midfielder Dustin Martin led the way for Richmond in the AFL Coaches Association’s Player of the Year voting for the Round 8 match against Sydney.

Martin received eight votes from respective coaches Damien Hardwick (Richmond) and John Longmire (Sydney) for his dynamic display in the Tigers’ thrilling one-point win under the MCG lights last Saturday night.

He finished with 28 disposals, including 14 contested possessions, nine score involvements, five inside-50s, plus an equal-game high eight tackles and a game-high 570 metres covered.

Mid strength a tonic for Tigers

It was the third time this season Martin has been the Tigers’ leading vote-getter in the prestigious AFLCA Player of the Year award.

The two other Tigers to pick up votes following their top-class Round 8 performances, were tall forward Ben Griffiths and tenacious inside midfielder Anthony Miles.

Griffiths had a career-high 20 disposals, took seven marks, kicked a career-high five goals and had nine score involvements.

Miles racked up a career-high 31 touches, including a game-high 17 contested possessions, equal-career high 10 clearances, equal-team high four centre-clearances and six score involvements, along with five tackles.

Full voting details for the Round 8 Richmond v Sydney match are:

8 – Dustin Martin (Richmond)
7 – Ben Griffiths (Richmond)
6 – Dan Hannebery (Sydney)
6 – Anthony Miles (Richmond)
3 – Lance Franklin (Sydney)


Dustin Martin in action against Sydney on Saturday night