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Important SN update for SouthlandThe glaring standouts in this year’s coaches votes
Andrew Slevison • July 4th, 2025 1:00 pm
The AFLCA Champion Player Award always provides plenty of talking points throughout any given season.
That is no different this year when looking at the players who have fallen away with their 2025 output versus last year.
One glaring name is that of Carlton captain Patrick Cripps who last year polled 113 votes to finish second behind Collingwood’s Nick Daicos.
In 2025, Cripps has polled just 11 votes across five games in what has been a significant individual dip according to Kane Cornes.
“The biggest drop-off of any player is Patrick Cripps,” Cornes said on SEN Breakfast.
“He’s had 11 coaches votes. He had 113 last year.
“Those that watch Carlton could see that. I think it’s reflective of his performance.
“The coaches votes is probably the best indication of your influence over the season because coaches of both teams submit the votes on a Monday after they’ve reviewed the game.”
Two-time winner Clayton Oliver is struggling to attract many votes this year, mirroring Melbourne’s subpar form.
Oliver only polled 10 votes last year so he’s on track to beat that, but the fact he has polled votes in only two games this season is worth noting.
“Clayton Oliver with just eight. The eye would tell you that, but what a drop-off it is for Oliver who would have featured highly in this award before,” Cornes added.
West Coast youngster Harley Reid has also battled from a coaches votes perspective in 2025.
He tallied 22 votes in his debut campaign but has managed only a handful in his sophomore season.
“Just the five votes for Harley Reid. 22 votes last year, five this year. The drop-off for him has been absolutely significant,” Cornes said of the no.1 draft pick.
“I’m happy to argue that with anyone. Everyone believes he is going to be a gun, we know that, but I just think he can be better with what he’s delivering.”
On the flip side, Magpies veteran Steele Sidebottom is polling out of his skin in 2025.
Sidebottom is putting together an arguably career-best year at the ripe old age of 34, raking in 45 votes in 2025 as opposed to 14 last year.
“Steele Sidebottom’s 45 votes is extraordinary,” said Cornes.
“He is second at Collingwood only behind Nick Daicos (59).
“If you had have said that Sidebottom would be Collingwood’s second most influential player of the year at his age and after the career he has had.
“That’s a pretty good one.”
Prior to Round 17, Sidebottom sits 14th on the AFLCA Champion Player Award leaderboard.
Sidebottom will not play against Cripps and Carlton on Friday night due to illness.
Cornes was asked: As an All-Australian selector, do coaches votes ever influence your thinking?
“There are a number of metrics you have at your disposal when you’re an All-Australian selector,” he replied.
“The way that the coaches reflect performances, absolutely you would factor that in.
“I wouldn’t think there’s been a player that has won the coaches votes that hasn’t been recognised with All-Australian selection.”
Every winner of the AFLCA Champion Player award since its inception in 2003 has made the All-Australian team that year, highlighting its general accuracy as a premium accolade.
Geelong’s Bailey Smith currently sits atop the standings on 66 votes ahead of Gold Coast captain Noah Anderson and Adelaide skipper Jordan Dawson (both 64).
