Fyfe won the AFLPA’s MVP award ahead of Gary Ablett and Lance Franklin.
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Fremantle young-gun Nat Fyfe has broken Gary Ablett’s stranglehold on the AFL Players’ Association’s MVP award by topping the votes during last night’s ceremony.
The on-baller is ineligible to win the Brownlow Medal due to suspension, but the 22-year-old claimed the next best prize on Tuesday when he was awarded the Leigh Matthews Trophy.
The award is organised by the AFL Players’ Association, with all AFL players voting on a 3-2-1 basis from nominees outside their own clubs.
Fyfe polled 945 votes to finish ahead of Gold Coast’s Gary Ablett and Sydney’s Lance Franklin, who totalled 787 and 428 votes respectively.
The Dockers man was unable to attend the ceremony as he is in preparations for his side’s do-or-die clash with Port Adelaide on Saturday.
AFLPA president and ex-St Kilda and Collingwood player Luke Ball said it Fyfe’s performances this season were clearly reflected in the voting.
“I think it comes as no surprise that Nat has won his first MVP, with the season he has had,” Ball said.
“At just 22 years of age, he’s had a stand-out year and this was rewarded with being named in the All-Australian squad of 40.
“To be recognised by the 800 players who voted showcases just how much value is placed on this award and Nat’s performance this year is a reflection of that.”
Western Bulldogs midfielder Marcus Bontempelli won the award for best first-year player, while Geelong captain Joel Selwood was voted most courageous.
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