Daniel Rioli was rewarded for his dynamic, dashing display in Richmond’s 38-point victory over West Coast at Optus Stadium last Sunday with maximum votes in the AFL Coaches Association’s Champion Player of the Year Award voting for Round 18.
The triple premiership Tiger was given 10 out of 10 after showcasing his superb rebounding skills across half-back.
He finished the match with a game-high and equal AFL career-high 31 disposals, three marks, three clearances, four rebound-50s, five inside-50s, four intercepts, seven score involvements and a game-high 556 metres gained.
Time and again Rioli turned defence into attack for Richmond with his fast, hard running and excellent disposal.
Shai Bolton received six votes following another exciting exhibition – 23 disposals, five marks, three inside-50s, two goals, a game-high 11 score involvements, three tackles and 394 metres gained.
The brilliant Tiger has now polled 31 votes since Round 12 for an overall total of 48 in the prestigious award.
Dustin Martin and Noah Balta rounded out Richmond’s dominance in the Round 18 voting with five votes apiece.
Full voting details for the Round 18 West Coast v Richmond match are:
10 – Daniel Rioli (Richmond)
6 – Shai Bolton (Richmond)
5 – Dustin Martin (Richmond)
5 – Noah Balta (Richmond)
4 – Tim Kelly (West Coast)
