CARLTON midfield star Sam Walsh has won the AFL coaches' award as the player of the finals series.
The prolific ball-winner polled 23 votes in the Gary Ayres Award over three games, including the Blues' preliminary final loss to Brisbane.
He finished 2.5 votes clear of Lions playmaker Keidean Coleman (20.5).
>> SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL THE VOTES AND THE FINAL LEADERBOARD
Collingwood Grand Final hero Bobby Hill (19) was third after starring with four goals in the season decider.
Rival coaches Craig McRae and Chris Fagan agreed with the Norm Smith Medal voting panel, awarding Hill a maximum 10 votes for his Grand Final performance.
The Grand Final votes are given an extra 50 per cent loading, meaning Hill was given 15.
Walsh injured a hamstring late in the season but returned in round 24 and was outstanding throughout September.
The 23-year-old collected eight votes in Carlton's six-point elimination final win over Sydney and the maximum 10 for his performance in a two-point semi-final victory over Melbourne.
Walsh polled another five votes in the Blues' season-ending 16-point defeat to eventual runners-up Brisbane.
Lions defender Coleman received a total of 10.5 votes for his grand final performance, with Collingwood stars Nick Daicos and Jack Crisp each awarded six votes.
Magpies midfielders Tom Mitchell and Scott Pendlebury (three each) and Brisbane forward Joe Daniher (1.5) rounded out the votes.
It was the eighth year of the Gary Ayres Award, named after the former Hawthorn champion who played in five premiership sides and won two Norm Smith Medals.
Richmond superstar Dustin Martin has snared the award three times.
Collingwood wingman Steele Sidebottom, retired Sydney captain Josh Kennedy, Western Bulldogs gun Jack Macrae and Geelong skipper Patrick Dangerfield are the other previous winners.
Collingwood v Brisbane
15 - Bobby Hill (Collingwood)
10.5 - Keidean Coleman (Brisbane)
6 - Nick Daicos (Collingwood)
6 - Jack Crisp (Collingwood)
3 - Tom Mitchell (Collingwood)
3 - Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
1.5 - Joe Daniher (Brisbane)
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00:57
Daicos' dream start with opening goal in Grand Final
Nick Daicos notches the first major of the 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final after receiving a free kick for high contact
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00:45
Bailey brings Lions to life with freakish finish
Zac Bailey ignites his side after this outrageous shot gets Brisbane its first goal of the Grand Final
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00:52
Bailey rocks 'G again with astonishing solo goal
Zac Bailey is lighting up the Grand Final with another tremendous display of individual brilliance
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01:00
Cruel concussion blow rules luckless Pie out of game
Collingwood is thrown a massive injury concern as Nathan Murphy leaves the contest after another worrying head knock
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00:47
Charlie catches fire and inspires with two crackers
The Lions look ominous in attack as livewire Charlie Cameron snares a pair of beauties
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00:47
Bobby brings house down with scintillating speccy
Collingwood levels the scores after Bobby Hill absolutely launches himself for a massive mark and goal
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03:55
Grand Final stunners: The best goals from a pulsating first half
From stunning snaps to brilliant long bombs, check out the best goals from an exhilarating first half of the 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final
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00:45
De Goey and Daicos conjure magic in huge moment
Jordan De Goey and Nick Daicos link up at a crucial time to produce this unbelievable finish
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00:50
Berry's brain fade opens door for super Sidebottom strike
Jarrod Berry concedes a costly 50m penalty and Steele Sidebottom makes him pay full price with a massive set shot that could bring the Pies home
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03:56
Last two mins: Pies defy Lions' charge to claim nail-biting flag
The thrilling final moments between Collingwood and Brisbane in the 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final
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08:56
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03:57
Brilliant Bobby breaks out best to claim Norm
Magpies recruit Bobby Hill marks a dazzling season in new colours by snaring the Norm Smith Medal after an inspired four-goal outing
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20:00
Full post-match, GF: Magpies
Watch Collingwood's press conference after their Grand Final against Brisbane
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08:16
Full post-match, GF: Lions
Watch Brisbane's press conference after their Grand Final against Collingwood
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14:53
Mini-Match: Collingwood v Brisbane
Extended highlights of the Magpies and Lions clash in the Grand Final
Brisbane v Carlton
10 - Keidean Coleman (Brisbane)
7 - Josh Dunkley (Brisbane)
5 - Sam Walsh (Carlton)
4 - Oscar McInerney (Brisbane)
3 - Harris Andrews (Brisbane)
1 - Caleb Marchbank (Carlton)
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00:38
Blues erupt as Cottrell bursts clear for electric opener
Carlton fans go wild as Matthew Cottrell streams forward to land the first goal of the game
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00:59
Stadium shellshocked early as Carlton keeps cooking
The Blues can do no wrong as Sam Docherty and Charlie Curnow pile on more pain to make it five unanswered goals
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01:14
Acres prevents yet another goal in hairy situation
Blake Acres does what he's been doing all finals series with a crucial touch in the goalsquare, this time with his head in fortuitous fashion
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00:37
McKenna raises noise level at Gabba with super snap
Conor McKenna gets the home crowd believing again with this timely goal in the second term
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00:42
Charlie time as Lions look ominous again
Brisbane appears to have settled the early nerves as Charlie Cameron chimes in with a huge snap
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00:54
Lions' massive injury scare as Neale grabs shoulder
Brisbane suffers an almighty fright in the third term as gun midfielder Lachie Neale appears to hurt his shoulder in this tackle
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00:56
McCarthy provides the icing as Brisbane books in big dance
Lincoln McCarthy puts the result beyond doubt as the Lions all but lock in a date with the Pies
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08:16
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02:26
Kiddy's kicking comes up big in gold-class display
Keidean Coleman's stellar use of the footy helps the Lions over the line in a gutsy prelim victory
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07:33
Full post-match, PF: Blues
Watch Carlton's press conference after their Preliminary Final against Brisbane
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11:25
Full post-match, PF: Lions
Watch Brisbane's press conference after their Preliminary Final against Carlton
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14:17
Mini-Match: Brisbane v Carlton
Extended highlights of the Lions and Blues clash in the second preliminary final
Collingwood v Greater Western Sydney
10 - Jordan De Goey (Collingwood)
5 - Tom Green (GWS)
4 - Jack Crisp (Collingwood)
3 - Nick Daicos (Collingwood)
3 - Connor Idun (GWS)
2 - Josh Kelly (GWS)
2 - Isaac Quaynor (Collingwood)
1 - Steele Sidebottom (Collingwood)
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01:00
Collingwood roar rings as McStay opens show
Magpies recruit Dan McStay gets the home crowd buzzing early after landing the first goal of the game
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00:36
Daicos and Greene trade epic no-look handballs
Nick Daicos and Toby Greene both showcase their sublime skill and vision in these mesmerising plays
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00:51
Greene, Green, class: Giants reach sky
Toby Greene and Tom Green get GWS believing with a pair of huge goals in the second term
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00:36
Toby tantalising again with one from top drawer
GWS skipper Toby Greene continues to lead from the front with a beautiful snap to extend his side's lead
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00:33
Beau sends 'G into frenzy as Pies reclaim lead
The Collingwood faithful goes wild as Beau McCreery inches his side back in front with this snap
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00:21
Pies blow as key forward subbed with leg complaint
Collingwood suffers a worrying injury concern with Dan McStay limping off the field after this contest
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00:19
Daicos catches Giants small in driving tackle
A hot passage sees Nick Daicos lay a fierce tackle on Brent Daniels in the final term
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00:34
Cox stirs pot after massive final-quarter moment
Mason Cox lets the Giants know all about it after converting a crucial goal in the fourth term
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03:57
Last two mins: Pies hold off Giants in epic prelim
Enjoy the thrilling final moments between Collingwood and GWS in the first preliminary final
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08:18
Highlights: Collingwood v GWS
The Magpies and Giants clash in the first preliminary final in 2023
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02:57
De Goey the clearance beast goes another gear
Jordan De Goey produces one of his most powerful performances in the engine room as Collingwood advances to the big dance
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08:49
Full post-match, PF: Magpies
Watch Collingwood's press conference after their Preliminary Final against GWS
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10:09
Full post-match, PF: Giants
Watch GWS's press conference after their Preliminary Final against Collingwood
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14:53
Mini-Match: Collingwood v GWS
Extended highlights of the Magpies and Giants clash in the first preliminary final
Leaderboard
23 Sam Walsh (Carlton)
20.5 Keidean Coleman (Brisbane)
19 Bobby Hill (Collingwood)
17 Tom Green (Greater Western Sydney)
16 Jack Crisp (Collingwood)
10 Stephen Coniglio (Greater Western Sydney)
10 Josh Kelly (Greater Western Sydney)
10 Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane)
10 Jordan De Goey (Collingwood)
9 Nick Daicos (Collingwood)
9 Blake Acres (Carlton)
8 Max Gawn (Melbourne)
8 Jesse Hogan (Greater Western Sydney)
8 Steven May (Melbourne)
8 Lachie Whitfield (Greater Western Sydney)
7 Joe Daniher (Brisbane)
7 Josh Dunkley (Brisbane)
8 Isaac Quaynor (Collingwood)
5 Tom McCartin (Sydney)
4 Matthew Cottrell (Carlton)
4 Patrick Cripps (Carlton)
4 Connor Idun (Greater Western Sydney)
4 Oscar McInerney (Brisbane)
4 Cameron Rayner (Brisbane)
4 Jacob Weitering (Carlton)
3 Connor Idun (Greater Western Sydney)
3 Tom Mitchell (Collingwood)
3 Harris Andrews (Brisbane)
1.5 Joe Daniher (Brisbane)
1 Steele Sidebottom (Collingwood)
1 Caleb Marchbank (Carlton)
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)
