Essendon’s nominations for the AFLPA’s MVP Award have been revealed ahead of the awards ceremony on Thursday, August 29.
Star midfielders Zach Merrett and Dylan Shiel, and freakish forward Jake Stringer remain in contention for the prestigious award after being voted in as the club’s representatives by their teammates.
Merrett has been in sensational form for the Bombers this year, averaging 28.5 disposals, 5.3 tackles, 4.8 inside 50s and recording career-high averages for clearances (4.8) and contested possessions (10.9).
Boom recruit Shiel has lived up to expectations in his first season in the red and black, claiming career-high averages for tackles (five) and inside 50s (five) to go with an average 26.1 disposals and 11 contested possessions.
Stringer is a natural entertainer and has been held goalless just twice this season, proving constantly dangerous in attack with 33 goals from 18 games, many from seemingly impossible positions.
Each club has nominated three players for the MVP, with a second vote set to see every AFL-listed player vote for their MVP (players are unable to vote for teammates during this stage).
Three other player-voted awards will also be presented at the event, with Bombers Patrick Ambrose (Most Courageous Player Award), Brayden Ham (Best First Year Player Award) and Dyson Heppell (Best Captain Award) chosen by the club to represent the red and black.
