Essendon forward Orazio Fantasia has led the way for the Bombers in round eight’s AFLCA coaches’ votes for his outstanding four-goal performance against Sydney on Friday.

Fantasia – who unfortunately suffered a quad injury in the match – exploded out of the blocks at the SCG, booting all four of his majors in the opening half.

The dynamic goalkicker received eight votes from the coaches, while onballers Zach Merrett and Dyson Heppell were given a vote each.

Merrett was brilliant with 28 disposals, nine tackles, seven clearances, seven inside 50s, a goal and two goal assists, and Heppell led the side well with 30 disposals, 16 contested possessions, six clearances and five inside 50s.

AFLCA VOTES – SYDNEY v ESSENDON
10 Luke Parker (SYD)
8 Orazio Fantasia (ESS)
5 George Hewett (SYD)
3 Callum Sinclair (SYD)
2 Dane Rampe (SYD)
1 Zach Merrett (ESS)
1 Dyson Heppell (ESS)