Zach Merrett celebrates a goal during Essendon's clash against West Coast in round eight, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

ESSENDON skipper Zach Merrett has moved to within eight votes of Sydney's Isaac Heeney in the race for the AFLCA's Champion Player award after another 10-vote game in round eight.

With Heeney, the runaway leader after his hot start to the season, getting just one vote in Sydney's win over Greater Western Sydney on Saturday, Merrett has closed the gap after his best on ground display against West Coast in Perth.

>> SCROLL DOWN TO SEE ALL THE VOTES

Merrett was one of seven players to get a perfect score from round eight, along with Adelaide's Jake Soligo, Collingwood's Nick Daicos, Sydney's Chad Warner, St Kilda's Jack Sinclair, Fremantle's Hayden Young and Brisbane's Dayne Zorko.

Warner got 10 votes for the Swans at the SCG while teammate Errol Gulden, who won the Brett Kirk Medal as best on ground, picked up six.

Daicos got a perfect 10 for Collingwood's win over Carlton, while four other players got four votes.

22:26

AAA: How Dees stopped Cats, Swan's contract dilemma, Bomber praised

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

Adelaide v Port Adelaide

10 Jake Soligo (ADEL)
6 Zak Butters (PORT)
5 Mark Keane (ADEL)
4 Matt Crouch (ADEL)
3 Izak Rankine (ADEL)
2 Darcy Fogarty (ADEL)

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 01:26

    Crows, Power stand together against gender-based violence

    Adelaide and Port Adelaide players lead a moment of reflection for women killed by men ahead of the Showdown

    AFL
  • 00:41

    Fogarty on fire with powerful early double

    Darcy Fogarty takes a pair of big clunks and finishes truly to earn the first two goals of the game

    AFL
  • 00:39

    Charging Crows cooking up storm in tantalising term

    Taylor Walker and Ned McHenry are afforded a wealth of space and burst towards goal for a pair of exciting majors

    AFL
  • 00:36

    Rankine works the crowd after typical magic

    Izak Rankine gets the Crows faithful up and about again with a stunning finish

    AFL
  • 00:45

    Power play with fire as hampered Rozee gets subbed out

    Port skipper Connor Rozee is forced out of the game hurt after a much-publicised midweek decision to play him goes awry

    AFL
  • 00:41

    Horne-Francis tries to ignite Port with two big moments

    Power young gun Jason Horne-Francis produces a pair of crucial majors to give his side some hope

    AFL
  • 00:45

    Ridiculous Rankine provides ultimate show to end party

    Izak Rankine delivers one more piece of individual brilliance to send the Crows fans into a frenzy

    AFL
  • 06:02

    Highlights: Adelaide v Port Adelaide

    The Crows and Power clash in round eight

    AFL
  • 02:07

    Soligo’s super showing earns Showdown medal

    Crows young gun Jake Soligo continues to grow his reputation in the midfield with another stirring performance landing him a Showdown medal

    AFL
  • 00:55

    Special scenes as Sloane says goodbye

    Adelaide champion Rory Sloane gets chaired off the ground after announcing his retirement from the game earlier this week

    AFL
  • 10:32

    Full post-match, R8: Crows

    Watch Adelaide’s press conference after round eight’s match against Port Adelaide

    AFL
  • 09:05

    Full post-match, R8: Power

    Watch Port Adelaide’s press conference after round eight’s match against Adelaide

    AFL
  • 13:58

    Mini-Match: Adelaide v Port Adelaide

    Extended highlights of the Crows and Power clash in round eight

    AFL

Carlton v Collingwood

10 Nick Daicos (COLL)
4 Jack Crisp (COLL)
4 Harry McKay (CARL)
4 Nicholas Newman (CARL)
4 Sam Walsh (CARL)
3 Scott Pendlebury (COLL)
1 Darcy Moore (COLL)

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 02:20

    Robbie Williams leads pre-game tribute for cancer fight

    A special rendition of ‘Angels’ blares around the ‘G in honour of those battling cancer

    AFL
  • 00:33

    Maynard’s mighty missile gets Pies cooking early

    Brayden Maynard receives the handball from Jamie Elliott before launching a rocket to earn the opening goal

    AFL
  • 00:27

    Daicos at dazzling best bursting through in a flash

    Nick Daicos wows the Collingwood faithful with a stunning collect and finish out of the ruck contest

    AFL
  • 00:45

    Harry creating havoc with hat-trick in first term

    Harry McKay is proving a handful for the Magpies with three goals in the opening quarter

    AFL
  • 00:41

    Beau blow after brutal knee to face forces sub

    Collingwood is dealt a cruel injury headache in the second term with Beau McCreery subbed out after copping an errant knee

    AFL
  • 00:55

    Sullivan’s stunning debut moment sends ‘G into raptures

    Collingwood first-gamer Lachie Sullivan snares the sweetest of goals shortly after being subbed into the contest

    AFL
  • 00:57

    Tensions spiral after Maynard’s tackle deemed dangerous

    Brayden Maynard gets penalised for a dump tackle on Matthew Owies, who gets stuck into the Pies after nailing his set shot

    AFL
  • 00:39

    Bobby’s bag of tricks on display in mesmerising major

    Bobby Hill lights up the stadium with a spectacular finish from the toughest of angles

    AFL
  • 00:51

    Clutch Daicos owns occasion with epic match-winner

    Nick Daicos sends the MCG into a frenzy with a ridiculous finish to edge his side in front in the dying minutes

    AFL
  • 04:28

    Last two mins: Daicos dazzler sees Pies pinch victory

    The thrilling final moments between Carlton and Collingwood in round eight

    AFL
  • 06:51

    Highlights: Carlton v Collingwood

    The Blues and Magpies clash in round eight

    AFL
  • 01:59

    Nick’s night out: Daicos bags Richard Pratt Medal

    Magpies superstar Nick Daicos amasses 32 touches and boots two goals in a clutch victory to be awarded the Richard Pratt Medal

    AFL
  • 09:29

    Full post-match, R8: Blues

    Watch Carlton’s press conference after round eight’s match against Collingwood

    AFL
  • 09:00

    Full post-match, R8: Magpies

    Watch Collingwood’s press conference after round eight’s match against Carlton

    AFL
  • 14:29

    Mini-Match: Carlton v Collingwood

    Extended highlights of the Blues and Magpies clash in round eight

    AFL

Sydney v Greater Western Sydney

10 Chad Warner (SYD)
7 Dane Rampe (SYD)
6 Errol Gulden (SYD)
5 Will Hayward (SYD)
1 Isaac Heeney (SYD)
1 Jack Buckley (GWS)

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 00:38

    Cadman cannon catches all by surprise

    Aaron Cadman unloads a mammoth effort from distance to land his side’s opening goal

    AFL
  • 00:42

    Jordon bounces home beauty from some distance

    James Jordon launches a terrific effort from outside 50 to edge the Swans back in front

    AFL
  • 00:29

    Giant blow as Green subbed out with ankle issue

    GWS suffers a massive injury headache in the first quarter with star midfielder Tom Green forced out of the contest after injuring his ankle

    AFL
  • 00:46

    McCartin down after Brown’s brutal bump, MRO scrutiny looms

    GWS forward Callum Brown looks set to come under MRO fire after collecting Tom McCartin in the second term

    AFL
  • 00:41

    Hayward hypes up Swans with silky soccer shot

    Will Hayward shows his craft around the goals with a clever finish off the deck

    AFL
  • 00:33

    Heeney conjures typical gold to provide sweet icing

    Isaac Heeney adds yet another highlight to his impressive season with this stunning finish to put the result beyond doubt

    AFL
  • 06:24

    Highlights: Sydney v GWS

    The Swans and Giants clash in round eight

    AFL
  • 08:13

    Full post-match, R8: Giants

    Watch GWS’s press conference after round eight’s match against Sydney

    AFL
  • 11:43

    Full post-match, R8: Swans

    Watch Sydney’s press conference after round eight’s match against GWS

    AFL
  • 13:59

    Mini-Match: Sydney v GWS

    Extended highlights of the Swans and Giants clash in round eight

    AFL

St Kilda v North Melbourne

10 Jack Sinclair (STK)
8 Darcy Wilson (STK)
4 Aidan Corr (NMFC)
3 Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (STK)
3 Bradley Hill (STK)
1 Callum Wilkie (STK)
1 Marcus Windhager (STK)

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 00:38

    Wardlaw's fantastic flash a super start

    George Wardlaw hits the footy at pace and drills it through with precision

    AFL
  • 00:48

    Webster, Simpkin clash after Saint's early blunder

    Returning from a long ban, Jimmy Webster gifts Tom Powell an early major to North Melbourne's delight

    AFL
  • 00:29

    Hayes swarmed after special return major

    Jack Hayes converts truly on his long-awaited return from injury and his teammates flock to him

    AFL
  • 00:30

    Shiels' risky bump fells young Saint

    Liam Shiels appears to leave the ground and make high contact with Angus Hastie

    AFL
  • 00:33

    Hastie shapes it to perfection for maiden big-time major

    Angus Hastie works the angle beautifully for his first career goal

    AFL
  • 00:52

    Electric Roos run the gauntlet to keep door ajar

    Cam Zurhaar rams home his third after a slick North Melbourne handball chain

    AFL
  • 00:37

    Wilson, Wardlaw collide in bone-crunching collision

    Darcy Wilson is met by a big George Wardlaw bump as they both attack the footy at pace

    AFL
  • 06:42

    Highlights: St Kilda v North Melbourne

    The Saints and Kangaroos clash in round eight

    AFL
  • 09:47

    Full post-match, R8: Saints

    Watch St Kilda’s press conference after round eight’s match against North Melbourne

    AFL
  • 13:24

    Full post-match, R8: Kangaroos

    Watch North Melbourne’s press conference after round eight’s match against St Kilda

    AFL
  • 14:22

    Mini-Match: St Kilda v North Melbourne

    Extended highlights of the Saints and Kangaroos clash in round eight

    AFL

Melbourne v Geelong

8 Max Holmes (GEEL)
6 Zach Guthrie (GEEL)
5 Jake Lever (MELB)
4 Kysaiah Pickett (MELB)
3 Max Gawn (MELB)
3 Steven May (MELB)
1 Harrison Petty (MELB)

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 00:38

    Slick Stengle snap gets Cats purring early

    Tyson Stengle reads the crumb to perfection and curls it home for Geelong's first

    AFL
  • 00:33

    Pickett picks the pocket and deposits a ripper

    Kysaiah Pickett intercepts Zach Guthrie's handball at pace and finishes with a bang

    AFL
  • 00:30

    Insane deadlock finally broken after behind bonanza

    Kade Chandler just squeezes it home after 14 consecutive behinds in the match

    AFL
  • 00:51

    Sizzling Stengle and flying Zach sparks match alive

    Zach Guthrie takes a brilliant high-flying mark before Tyson Stengle provides a special moment of magic

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Clark’s quick shot rolls on as MCG roars

    Jhye Clark finds a pocket of space and drills through his first career goal at a timely moment

    AFL
  • 00:41

    Max's outrageous monster raises decibel meter

    Max Gawn winds up from beyond the paint and launches through a magnificent missile

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Phenomenal Fritsch dribbler a worthy match-winner

    Bayley Fritsch bends through a breathtaking GOTY contender to seal a spirited Melbourne win

    AFL
  • 00:36

    Cameron's uncharacteristic late misses prove costly

    Jeremy Cameron squanders a couple of crucial set shots in the final term as Geelong loses its first match of 2024

    AFL
  • 06:12

    Highlights: Melbourne v Geelong

    The Demons and Cats clash in round eight

    AFL
  • 08:06

    Full post-match, R8: Demons

    Watch Melbourne’s press conference after round eight’s match against Geelong

    AFL
  • 07:31

    Full post-match, R8: Cats

    Watch Geelong’s press conference after round eight’s match against Melbourne

    AFL
  • 14:53

    Mini-Match: Melbourne v Geelong

    Extended highlights of the Demons and Cats clash in round eight

    AFL

West Coast v Essendon

10 Zach Merrett (ESS)
7 Nic Martin (ESS)
5 Tim Kelly (WCE)
4 Jake Waterman (WCE)
3 Darcy Parish (ESS)
1 Samuel Durham (ESS)

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 00:42

    Waterman continues making waves with cracking mark

    Jake Waterman adds to his fine form with a solid grab and finish to bag his side’s first of the contest

    AFL
  • 00:37

    The Yeo show gets fans going in 200th game

    Elliot Yeo snares a goal in his milestone match to create plenty of noise around the stadium

    AFL
  • 00:36

    Durham drives through with speed and bags beauty

    Sam Durham hits the contest at pace and lands a super goal for the Bombers

    AFL
  • 00:36

    Merrett makes the difficult look easy once again

    Essendon skipper Zach Merrett continues his fine season with the craftiest of goals

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Chesser piles on pressure after Don’s disaster

    Campbell Chesser makes the Bombers pay full price for not clearing the footy in the goalsquare

    AFL
  • 00:52

    Harley’s double ‘don’t argue’ sends home crowd wild

    Harley Reid delivers two consecutive fend-offs which eventuates in a team-lifting goal to Jack Darling

    AFL
  • 03:54

    Last two mins: Bombers survive late scare from plucky Eagles

    The thrilling final moments between West Coast and Essendon in round eight

    AFL
  • 02:12

    Merrett magic: Skipper’s super three save the day

    Essendon captain Zach Merrett produces another inspired performance with a trio of goals helping his side hold on for a gutsy win

    AFL
  • 06:48

    Highlights: West Coast v Essendon

    The Eagles and Bombers clash in round eight

    AFL
  • 07:50

    Full post-match, R8: Eagles

    Watch West Coast’s press conference after round eight’s match against Essendon

    AFL
  • 11:24

    Full post-match, R8: Bombers

    Watch Essendon’s press conference after round eight’s match against West Coast

    AFL
  • 14:06

    Mini-Match: West Coast v Essendon

    Extended highlights of the Eagles and Bombers clash in round eight

    AFL

Richmond v Fremantle

10 Hayden Young (FRE)
8 Caleb Serong (FRE)
6 Luke Ryan (FRE)
4 Andrew Brayshaw (FRE)
1 Josh Treacy (FRE)
1 Jordan Clark (FRE)

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 00:34

    Lefau wins early Pearce battle for terrific Tiger start

    Mykelti Lefau takes front position against Alex Pearce and threads the first major of the match

    AFL
  • 00:30

    Treacy's powerful pluck propels Freo forward

    Josh Treacy gets the sit and converts nicely as Fremantle takes control in the second term

    AFL
  • 00:54

    Tigers faithful fume as Darcy benefits from tough call

    Sean Darcy is gifted a 50-metre penalty right on half-time after Thomson Dow fails to hand the footy back

    AFL
  • 00:47

    Freddy keeps on running and gunning with super snap

    Michael Frederick follows up on his initial contest and drills a cool curler on the burst

    AFL
  • 00:42

    Freo furnace heats up as Johnson delivers another

    Matthew Johnson breaks through and snaps a ripper to finish Fremantle's relentless attack

    AFL
  • 00:30

    Mansell's gritty spinning bender provides late hope

    Rhyan Mansell wins a tough contested ball and snaps through his first major

    AFL
  • 00:56

    Treacy's final-term hat-trick seals dominant Docker day

    Josh Treacy provides a presence and drills three majors in the fourth quarter

    AFL
  • 00:30

    Young's double delight an elite way to finish

    Hayden Young nails a pair of classy majors to put a full stop on Fremantle's fantastic day

    AFL
  • 01:23

    Rock-solid Ryan slams door shut on Tigers

    Luke Ryan produces a memorable defensive display to accumulate a career-high 39 touches

    AFL
  • 06:32

    Highlights: Richmond v Fremantle

    The Tigers and Dockers clash in round eight

    AFL
  • 10:33

    Full post-match, R8: Dockers

    Watch Fremantle’s press conference after round eight’s match against Richmond

    AFL
  • 09:43

    Full post-match, R8: Tigers

    Watch Richmond’s press conference after round eight’s match against Fremantle

    AFL
  • 14:03

    Mini-Match: Richmond v Fremantle

    Extended highlights of the Tigers and Dockers clash in round eight

    AFL

Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn

9 Jarman Impey (HAW)
9 Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
5 Dylan Moore (HAW)
3 James Sicily (HAW)
2 Blake Hardwick (HAW)
2 Conor Nash (HAW)

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 00:59

    Ridiculously rapid Vandermeer driller comes within 15 seconds

    Laitham Vandermeer nails the running finish as the Western Bulldogs explode from the opening bounce

    AFL
  • 00:30

    Brilliant Bont catches fire with incredible launch

    Marcus Bontempelli loads up from beyond 50 and drills a trademark running missile

    AFL
  • 00:33

    Emotions spill over with Dear's special maiden moment

    Calsher Dear, the son of late Hawks great Paul Dear, kicks his first career goal and his teammates flock to him

    AFL
  • 00:45

    Newcombe off a step is off the charts as Hawks run hot

    Jai Newcombe sets himself and bangs through a huge major for Hawthorn

    AFL
  • 00:32

    Is Libba in trouble for this tackle?

    Tom Liberatore is penalised for a dumping tackle on Will Day in the third term

    AFL
  • 00:51

    Macdonald and Weddle's dazzling double gets Marvel roaring

    Connor Macdonald and Josh Weddle drill back-to-back bending rippers to extend the margin

    AFL
  • 00:34

    Young Hawks guns provide the spark with slick pair

    Dylan Moore drills his first from the angle before Connor Macdonald makes the Bulldogs pay

    AFL
  • 03:47

    Last two mins: Hawks handle heat to hold out Dogs

    The thrilling final moments between Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn in round eight

    AFL
  • 06:51

    Highlights: Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn

    The Bulldogs and Hawks clash in round eight

    AFL
  • 12:42

    Full post-match, R8: Bulldogs

    Watch Western Bulldogs’s press conference after round eight’s match against Hawthorn

    AFL
  • 10:48

    Full post-match, R8: Hawks

    Watch Hawthorn’s press conference after round eight’s match against Western Bulldogs

    AFL
  • 14:54

    Mini-Match: Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn

    Extended highlights of the Bulldogs and Hawks clash in round eight

    AFL

Brisbane v Gold Coast

10 Dayne Zorko (BL)
7 Harris Andrews (BL)
7 Josh Dunkley (BL)
4 Hugh McCluggage (BL)
2 Lachie Neale (BL)

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 00:30

    Lions disaster with gun forward down clutching knee

    Lincoln McCarthy leaves the ground with trainers following a suspected knee injury

    AFL
  • 00:47

    Injury havoc continues as Answerth cops brutal head knock

    Noah Answerth has entered concussion protocols after taking a knee to the head in the opening term

    AFL
  • 00:34

    Sharp’s banana brilliance brings Brisbane another

    Harry Sharp nails a terrific goal off one step to extend the Lions’ lead further

    AFL
  • 00:36

    Luckless Lions lose another as Gardiner goes down

    Brisbane suffers another cruel injury blow with Darcy Gardiner leaving the field with a suspected knee injury

    AFL
  • 00:43

    Miraculous Morris debut has its magic moment

    Logan Morris, in his second football match for the day, kicks a brilliant goal on debut against the Suns

    AFL
  • 00:42

    Suns find ray of hope through Ainsworth major

    Ben Ainsworth kicks an important goal to keep the Suns within touch late

    AFL
  • 01:33

    Zorko’s ridiculous 35-kick outing leads Lions revival

    Dayne Zorko stuffs the stat sheet as he takes home the Marcus Ashcroft Medal to go with 35 kicks off half-back

    AFL
  • 06:00

    Highlights: Brisbane v Gold Coast

    The Lions and Suns clash in round eight

    AFL
  • 06:12

    Full post-match, R8: Suns

    Watch Gold Coast’s press conference after round eight’s match against Brisbane

    AFL
  • 12:11

    Full post-match, R8: Lions

    Watch Brisbane’s press conference after round eight’s match against Gold Coast

    AFL
  • 13:45

    Mini-Match: Brisbane v Gold Coast

    Extended highlights of the Lions and Suns clash in round Eight

    AFL

LEADERBOARD

55 Isaac Heeney (SYD)
47 Zach Merrett (ESS)
40 Caleb Serong (FRE)
36 Max Gawn (MELB)
33 Errol Gulden (SYD)
32 Jeremy Cameron (GEEL)
31 Tom Green (GWS)
30 Zak Butters (PORT)
30 Nick Daicos (COLL)
29 Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
28 Matt Rowell (GCFC)
27 Noah Anderson (GCFC)
27 Patrick Cripps (CARL)
27 Harry McKay (CARL)
27 Gryan Miers (GEEL)
27 Elliot Yeo (WCE)
25 Max Holmes (GEEL)
25 Christian Petracca (MELB)
24 Connor Rozee (PORT)
24 Hayden Young (FRE)