Top-notch small backman Nick Vlastuin led the way in the AFL Coaches’ Association’s Player of the Year Award Round 13 voting for the Richmond v Geelong clash.

Vlastuin played a major role in the Tigers’ hard-fought, 18-point victory over Geelong through his superb defensive display – 21 disposals, a game-high 11 intercepts, game-high 11 marks, equal game-high four intercept marks, six rebound-50s and 481 metres gained.

He received nine votes from rival coaches Damien Hardwick (Richmond) and Chris Scott (Geelong).

Outstanding Richmond key defender Alex Rance was awarded seven votes for his typically strong and bold showing – 17 disposals, 10 intercepts, nine marks, including a game-high five intercept grabs, four tackles and seven rebound-50s.

Round 13: Vlastuin dominant in defence

Key Tiger midfielder Kane Lambert picked up three votes after finishing the match with 24 disposals, a game-high 10 score involvements, four marks and 405 metres gained.

Rounding out the Round 13 coaches’ votes for Richmond were Daniel Rioli (12 disposals, eight tackles, five score involvements and a goal) and Shane Edwards (21 disposals, an equal game-high seven clearances, five inside-50s, seven score involvements and 425 metres gained), who polled one apiece.  

Full voting details for the Round 13 Richmond v Geelong match are . . .

9 – Nick Vlastuin (Richmond)

7 – Alex Rance (Richmond)

6 – Joel Selwood (Geelong)

3 – Kane Lambert (Richmond)

3 – Rhys Stanley (Geelong)

1 – Daniel Rioli (Richmond)

1 – Shane Edwards (Richmond)