Josh Kelly has become the fourth GIANT this year to receive a maximum 10 votes in the 2019 Shadforth Financial Group AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award following a 31-disposal effort against Melbourne.
Kelly was judged best afield by both GIANTS coach Leon Cameron and Demons coach Simon Goodwin in the 26-point win, having played an influential role as the GIANTS drastically reversed their fortunes at the MCG just a fortnight after losing to Hawthorn at the venue.
The 24-year-old, who last month signed a contract extension with the GIANTS, finished with 11 contested possessions among his 31, an impressive 10 tackles, seven inside 50s, three clearances, three marks and a goal in the standout performance.
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It was the sixth time this season a GIANT has received maximum votes from the coaches, following on from Stephen Coniglio in round one, Jeremy Cameron in rounds three and seven, and Lachie Whitfield in rounds four and nine.
Kelly also earned a spot in the AFL.com.au Team of the Week, named on a wing.
He was one of three GIANTS named in the team. Intercepting extraordinaire Nick Haynes – who had 20 disposals, eight marks and 10 rebound 50s – was named on a half-back flank and milestone man Harry Himmelberg – who booted a career-best five goals in his 50th AFL match – was named in a forward pocket.
Himmelberg finished equal-second in the coaches’ votes for the round 10 clash, collecting six votes, as did Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn, while Haynes received one vote.
Whitfield – the GIANTS’ top-ranked player in the coaches’ votes – took his season tally to 36 with a three-vote performance, while Tim Taranto (34) collected four.
Shadforth AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award votes round 10
10 Josh Kelly
6 Harry Himmelberg
6 Max Gawn (Melbourne)
4 Tim Taranto
3 Lachie Whitfield
1 Nick Haynes
