Essendon midfielder Archie Perkins has earned his first nod in the AFL Coaches Association's AFL Champion Player Award, collecting a vote in just his fifth game.

The No.9 draft pick was a shining light in the 16-point loss to Carlton, tallying 18 disposals, three goal assists and four tackles to join teammates Jake Stringer (five votes), Andrew McGrath (three) and Cale Hooker (two) in the voting.

Perkins' game-high 12 score involvements were also the equal 10th of any player this season.

Zach Merrett (20 votes) leads the Bombers in the AFLCA's AFL Champion Player Award after seven rounds.

AFLCA VOTES: BOMBERS v BLUES

10 - Sam Walsh (CARL)
8 - Jacob Weitering (CARL)
5 - Jake Stringer (ESS)
3 - Andrew McGrath (ESS)
2 - Cale Hooker (ESS)
1 - Archie Perkins (ESS)
1 - Adam Saad (CARL)

ESSENDON LEADERBOARD

20 - Zach Merrett
17 - Darcy Parish
10 - Jordan Ridley, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
7 - Andrew McGrath
6 - Cale Hooker
5 - Jake Stringer
4 - Peter Wright
3 - Jayden Laverde
1 - Archie Perkins

OVERALL LEADERBOARD

38 - David Mundy (FREM)
34 - Max Gawn (MELB), Hugh McCluggage (BRIS), Ollie Wines (PA)
33 - Jack Macrae (WB)
31 - Christian Salem (MELB), Sam Walsh (CARL)