Jacob Hopper’s Sydney Derby XVIII heroics have been rewarded with the 22-year-old receiving his first ‘Perfect 10’ in the Shadforth AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award.

Hopper was awarded the Brett Kirk Medal as best on ground in Saturday afternoon’s two-point win over the Swans and was recognised by GIANTS coach Leon Cameron and Swans coach John Longmire in receiving the full ten votes.

Hopper kicked a career-best three goals in the nail-biting win, while he also collected 26 disposals, took seven marks and laid four tackles.

Toby Greene’s resurgence as a midfielder continued in the GIANTS’ Derby victory with the 25-year-old collecting a game high 34 disposals and kicking a goal.

Greene was duly awarded five votes by the coaches after he took eight marks, laid six tackles, sent the ball inside-50 seven times and won 10 clearances.

Defender Nick Haynes continues to build a case for All Australian selection with the high-flying defender receiving plaudits from around the competition after his efforts in the past fortnight.

Haynes received three votes from the coaches after another impressive aerial display, taking 12 marks, including four contested, and racking up 18 disposals in the GIANTS’ win. 

Defender-turned-midfielder Zac Williams received two votes for his 32-disposal game that saw him also win 10 clearances, take 10 marks and lay six tackles. 

Shane Mumford’s dominance in the ruck saw him earn a vote with the veteran winning 54 hit-outs and collecting 13 disposals.

Meanwhile, both Hopper and Haynes were included in AFL.com.au’s Team of the Week, with Haynes named in the backline for a second successive week and Hopper named in the midfield.

Round 21 Coaches Votes

10 Jacob Hopper
8 Isaac Heeney (Swans)
5 Toby Greene 
3 Nick Haynes 
2 Zac Williams 
1 Shane Mumford
1 Oliver Florent (Swans)