Jordan Ridley was deemed best afield by the coaches in round three. (Photo: AFL Photos)

Jordan Ridley has led a five-man Bomber contingent in the AFL Coaches Association's AFL Champion Player Award for round three.

The star defender earned nine of a possible 10 votes for his performance in the 75-point win over St Kilda, edging out teammates Darcy Parish (seven), Zach Merrett (seven), Cale Hooker (four) and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (two).

The reigning Crichton medallist was in irrepressible form, setting new career-highs for disposals (35) and contested possessions (nine), and equalling his best for effective disposals (29) and intercepts (nine).

Parish produced arguably the best performance of his 96-game career, achieving personal bests for disposals (34) and centre clearances (six).

The 23-year-old stood up as an inside midfielder in the absences of Jye Caldwell and Dylan Shiel to help set up the Bombers' midfield dominance.

02:31

Rd 3 | Performance of the Week

Darcy Parish takes the honours as the Yakult Performance of the Week for round three, as voted by you.

After collecting seven votes, the ultra-consistent Merrett leads all Bombers in the AFLCA Champion Player Award on 12.

AFLCA VOTES: BOMBERS v SAINTS

9 - Jordan Ridley (ESS)
7 - Zach Merrett (ESS)
7 - Darcy Parish (ESS)
4 - Cale Hooker (ESS)
2 - Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (ESS)
1 - Jack Steele (STK)

ESSENDON LEADERBOARD

12 - Zach Merrett
9 - Jordan Ridley
7 - Darcy Parish
4 - Cale Hooker, Andrew McGrath
2 - Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti

OVERALL LEADERBOARD

28 - Taylor Walker (ADEL)
19 - Dustin Martin (RICH)
16 - Darcy Moore (COLL), Clayton Oliver (MELB)
15 - Max Gawn (MELB)
14 - Nic Naitanui (WCE)