Essendon's All Australian trio Michael Hurley, Zach Merrett and Joe Daniher have been nominated for the AFL Players’ Association MVP Award, the Leigh Matthews Trophy.

The nomination for the MVP Award is a two-stage process.

The first step involves players nominating three teammates for the award, before three nominees from every club are presented to the wider playing group for a vote to decide the winner.

Players cannot vote for their own teammates in stage two of the process.

Hurley, Merrett and Daniher were named in the All Australian side last week and will be key members of the Dons line-up when they take on the Swans on Saturday.

Mark Baguley was also recognised for his fearless approach, with the defender nominated for the Most Courageous Player award.

Andrew McGrath is in contention for the Best First Year Player award and Dyson Heppell, alongside the other 17 Club Captains, will vie for the Best Captain award.

The winners will be announced at the 36th annual MVP Awards on Tuesday.