DEFENDER turned midfielder Dan Houston produced arguably his best performance for Port Adelaide in its 59-point victory over Essendon and was duly recognised when the coaches distributed their votes in the Shadforth AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award.
Houston received nine votes from the coaches after he amassed 29 touches at 90 per cent efficiency, 10 marks, seven clearances, four inside 50s and two goals in a best-on-ground performance.
Robbie Gray was recognised with seven votes for his four-goal, 19-touch effort against the Bombers, with his impact in the first and last terms instrumental in the Power’s travelling win.
Young guns Connor Rozee (five votes), Darcy Byrne-Jones (five), Xavier Duursma (two) and Todd Marshall (one) were rewarded by the coaches.
Former Power player Will Snelling was the lone Bomber to receive any votes - one - after collecting 21 touches and kicking two goals against his old side.
Around the competition, Marcus Bontempelli moved to the top of the Shadforth AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award leaderboard with nine votes against Brisbane.
North Melbourne’s Shaun Higgins was one of three players to receive maximum votes in Round 20, with Jacob Hopper (GWS) and Rory Laird (Adelaide) also achieving the feat.
Travis Boak still remains in contention for the award, currently sitting in seventh position with 67 votes - 21 shy of Bontempelli with three rounds remaining.
Round 20 - votes vs Essendon
9 - Dan Houston (PORT)
7 - Robbie Gray (PORT)
5 - Connor Rozee (PORT)
5 - Darcy Byrne-Jones (PORT)
2 - Xavier Duursma (PORT)
1 - Todd Marshall (PORT)
1 - Will Snelling (ESS)
Round 20 leaderboard
88 - Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
86 - Tim Kelly (GEEL)
78 - Patrick Cripps (CARL)
73 - Lachie Neale (BL)
73 - Nat Fyfe (FRE)
68 - Brodie Grundy (COLL)
67 - Travis Boak (PORT)
67 - Luke Shuey (WCE)
65 - Ben Cunnington (NMFC)
62 - Patrick Dangerfield (GEEL)
