Sam Walsh during Carlton's 2023 semi-final against Melbourne. Picture: AFL Photos

CARLTON star Sam Walsh has jumped clear in the race for the 2023 Gary Ayres Award after picking up a perfect 10 votes in the Blues' semi-final win over Melbourne.

Walsh, who picked up eight votes from the the coaches in the elimination final win over Sydney, got a perfect score against the Dees to move to 18 votes, six clear of Greater Western Sydney midfielder Tom Green, who got five votes against Port Adelaide after picking up seven a week earlier.

>> SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL THE VOTES AND THE LEADERBOARD

Giants midfielder Stephen Coniglio picked up 10 votes against the Power to sit equal third with teammate Josh Kelly (who did not poll against Port) and Brisbane's Hugh McCluggage.

There were no Power players among the votes from Saturday night's semi-final, while Dees defenders Steven May and Jake Lever were the only Melbourne players to poll.

The Gary Ayres Award is presented in recognition of the player who has been adjudged the best through the finals series, as voted by the coaches.

Grand Final votes will receive a 1.5 times loading.

17:49

AAA: Predictable Dees 'got what they deserved', spooked Port, Giants' big chance

Matthew Lloyd, Damian Barrett and Nat Edwards discuss a big weekend of storylines in Access All Areas

Melbourne v Carlton

10 Sam Walsh (CARL)
8 Steven May (MELB)
4 Jacob Weitering (CARL)
4 Patrick Cripps (CARL)
2 Nicholas Newman (CARL)
2 Jake Lever (MELB)

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 01:05

    Emotions spill over in fiery start to battle

    Some early fireworks between both sides sets the tone for a ferocious contest ahead

    AFL
  • 00:30

    Even Petracca in two minds can conjure magic

    Christian Petracca finishes in sublime style after appearing to get himself into trouble by playing on

    AFL
  • 00:47

    Pickett in hot water after ferocious bump on Cripps

    Kysaiah Pickett may find himself under MRO scrutiny after collecting Patrick Cripps high in this action

    AFL
  • 00:48

    Carlton starts cooking as Walsh and Curnow electrify

    Sam Walsh and Charlie Curnow get their faithful buzzing with some team-lifting goals

    AFL
  • 00:39

    Kysaiah catches fire and erupts like never before

    Melbourne looks to have turned a corner as a pumped-up Kysaiah Pickett finally lights up in the third term

    AFL
  • 00:33

    Walsh wizardry sets up grandstand finish

    Sam Walsh adds to his tireless performance with a stunning major to tie the scores in the final term

    AFL
  • 01:09

    Woozy Weitering spotted stumbling in defence

    Jacob Weitering appears worse for wear after copping an accidental knock in this final-quarter incident

    AFL
  • 00:36

    Tense moments as Dee slings star Blue into fence

    Tom Sparrow may find himself in hot water after this action causes Sam Walsh to hit his head on the fence

    AFL
  • 03:55

    Last two mins: Blues prevail over Dees in classic

    The thrilling final moments between Melbourne and Carlton in the semi finals

    AFL
  • 08:48

    Highlights: Melbourne v Carlton

    The Demons and Blues clash in the first semi final

    AFL
  • 01:27

    Walsh never stops running in inspiring outing

    Sam Walsh helps his side over the line with a match-winning display that included a host of disposals, tackles and goals

    AFL
  • 09:56

    Full post-match, SF: Blues

    Watch Carlton's press conference after their semi-final against Melbourne

    AFL
  • 07:30

    Full post-match, SF: Demons

    Watch Melbourne's press conference after their semi-final against Carlton

    AFL
  • 14:44

    Mini-Match: Melbourne v Carlton

    Extended highlights of the Demons and Blues clash in the first semi final

    AFL

Port Adelaide v Greater Western Sydney

10 Stephen Coniglio (GWS)
8 Jesse Hogan (GWS)
5 Tom Green (GWS)
5 Lachie Whitfield (GWS)
1 Toby Greene (GWS)
1 Jack Buckley (GWS)

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 07:30

    Full post-match, SF: Demons

    Watch Melbourne's press conference after their semi-final against Carlton

    AFL
  • 00:57

    Greene's early burst fires up Giants

    Toby Greene shows off his class as he kicks his side's first two majors of the night

    AFL
  • 01:05

    Super Rioli double lights up Adelaide Oval

    Willie Rioli makes an early impact with this pair of goals giving his side some early momentum

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Kelly and Coniglio raise the heat in hot minute

    Goals to gun midfielders Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio in quick succession sees the Giants extend their advantage

    AFL
  • 00:51

    Hogan piles on more pain in stunning run for GWS

    Jesse Hogan makes it two goals in short time to continue his side's onslaught in the second term

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Rioli raises noise level after half-time with small spark

    Willie Rioli does his best to create some much-needed momentum for the Power with this clever goal to kickstart the third term

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Riccardi's lethal long kick may just do the trick

    Jake Riccardi nails this superb set shot to bring the Giants one step closer to a massive victory

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Skipper delivers the dagger to book date with Pies

    Toby Greene produces the sealing goal to all but assure his side a preliminary final berth against Collingwood

    AFL
  • 08:34

    Highlights: Port Adelaide v GWS

    The Power and Giants clash in the second semi final

    AFL
  • 02:17

    Hogan's heroics one of many Giant performances

    Jesse Hogan owns his role in his side's stunning upset victory, with a powerful four-goal display to go alongside some big marks

    AFL
  • 10:08

    Full post-match, SF: Giants

    Watch GWS's press conference after their semi final against Port Adelaide

    AFL
  • 10:27

    Full post-match, SF: Power

    Watch Port Adelaide's press conference after their semi final against GWS

    AFL
  • 15:02

    Mini-Match: Port Adelaide v GWS

    Extended highlights of the Power and Giants clash in the second semi final

    AFL

Leaderboard

18 Sam Walsh CARL
12 Tom Green GWS
10 Stephen Coniglio GWS
10 Josh Kelly GWS
10 Hugh McCluggage BL
9 Blake Acres CARL
8 Max Gawn MELB
8 Jesse Hogan GWS
8 Steven May MELB
8 Lachie Whitfield GWS
7 Joe Daniher BL
6 Jack Crisp COLL
6 Isaac Quaynor COLL
5 Tom McCartin SYD
4 Matthew Cottrell CARL
4 Patrick Cripps CARL
4 Bobby Hill COLL
4 Connor Idun GWS
4 Cameron Rayner BL
4 Jacob Weitering CARL

Previous winners

2016 Josh Kennedy (Sydney)
2017 Dustin Martin (Richmond)
2018 Steele Sidebottom (Collingwood)
2019 Dustin Martin (Richmond)
2020 Dustin Martin (Richmond)
2021 Jack Macrae (Western Bulldogs)
2022 Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)