Peter Wright has earned a perfect 10 for his career-best performance against the Bulldogs. (Photo: AFL Photos)

Peter Wright has earned maximum votes for the first time ever in the AFL Coaches Association's AFL Champion Player Award for his career-best performance in the Bombers' win over the Bulldogs on Sunday.

The 24-year-old forward hit rarefied air in his 84th game, becoming just the fourth Bomber to kick seven or more goals in a game since 2010.

His deadly accuracy - seven goals and zero behinds - proved decisive in a 13-point win over the Bulldogs that keeps the Bombers' finals hopes alive.

04:33

Rd 21 | Performance of the Week

Forward Peter Wright takes the honours as the Yakult Performance of the Week for round 21.

Stand-in captain Zach Merrett continued his impressive season and further cemented his spot on top of the Essendon AFLCA leaderboard after gaining seven votes for a 30-disposal and five-clearance performance in a dominant midfield display.

Midfielder Darcy Parish earned three votes for his influential 28-disposal game, while emerging ruckman Sam Draper registered one vote for his career-highs in hitouts (39) and score involvements (nine).

01:14

Access All Areas | Dynamic mids

The Access All Areas team review the midfield mix in round 21.

AFLCA VOTES: BULLDOGS v BOMBERS

10 - Peter Wright (ESS)
7 - Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
7 - Zach Merrett (ESS)
3 - Darcy Parish (ESS)
2 - Jack Macrae (WB)
1 - Sam Draper (ESS)

ESSENDON'S AFLCA VOTES THIS SEASON

84 - Zach Merrett
73 - Darcy Parish
31 - Jake Stringer
22 - Peter Wright
21 - Jordan Ridley
15 - Andrew McGrath
12 - Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
9 - Sam Draper
8 - Cale Hooker
7 - Mason Redman
6 - Jayden Laverde
5 - Dyson Heppell, Archie Perkins, Nick Hind
3 - Will Snelling

OVERALL LEADERBOARD

104 - Clayton Oliver (MELB)
101 - Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
95 - Touk Miller (GC)
91 - Ollie Wines (PA)
90 - Sam Walsh (CARL)
85 - Jack Steele (STK)
84 - Zach Merrett (ESS)