BRISBANE midfielder Lachie Neale has been recognised for his outstanding season by the game's 18 coaches, named the Shadforth Financial Group AFL Coaches' Association Player of the Year on Thursday night.
Neale enjoyed a terrific campaign, leading the League for disposals and finishing top-five in the competition for both clearances and contested possessions as the Lions soared to second-place on the AFL ladder.
>> Check out who polled in round 18 from your club below and the full leaderboard at the bottom
It culminated in Neale becoming the first Brisbane player to win the AFLCA Player of the Year since the award's inception in 2003, finishing narrowly ahead of Melbourne gun Christian Petracca and Port Adelaide veteran Travis Boak in the voting.
Petracca polled a perfect 10 against Essendon to pip Boak for second place.
North Melbourne v West Coast
9 Liam Ryan (WCE)
6 Jed Anderson (NMFC)
5 Andrew Gaff (WCE)
5 Jy Simpkin (NMFC)
3 Liam Duggan (WCE)
1 Shannon Hurn (WCE)
1 Oscar Allen (WCE)
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11:08
Shaw: 'The way we finished off was fantastic'
Rhyce Shaw was 'really pleased' with his side's effort tonight, stating it was a welcome change compared to the last few weeks and a positive way to end their season
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07:50
Simmo on JK: 'It's a new injury to his ankle'
Adam Simpson explains Josh Kennedy 'rolled his ankle' but will wait for further scans before commenting on the extent of it
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05:35
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00:42
Anderson's fair whack from 50 a sight for North fans
Jed Anderson comes up with a stunning effort from the 50m arc on his left
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00:46
This is the last man you want to turn a ball over to
Todd Goldstein makes a serious error in defence by handing the footy straight to Liam Ryan, who makes him pay full price
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00:33
Allen key to Eagles spree
The Eagles were crying out for someone to take control of the game and Oscar Allen delivers with two consecutive goals
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00:46
Enormous Eagles blow as Kennedy forced off
West Coast have suffered a massive injury concern with key forward Josh Kennedy leaving the field with an ankle complaint
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00:34
Ryan, never stop supplying
Liam Ryan continues his hot run of form with two beautiful kicks, one to set up a teammate and the other to earn a classy goal
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00:38
That's one dazzling Darling dribbler
Jack Darling produces a moment of magic with a mesmerising goal from a tight angle
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00:20
Jed proves he has a hard head following this falcon
North Melbourne's Jed Anderson brushes off a crunching falcon from short distance
St Kilda v GWS Giants
10 Jack Steele (STK)
8 Rowan Marshall (STK)
3 Hunter Clark (STK)
3 Lachie Whitfield (GWS)
2 Josh Battle (STK)
2 Ben Paton (STK)
1 Paddy Ryder (STK)
1 Stephen Coniglio (GWS)
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07:13
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12:15
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05:45
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00:43
Ryder rolls it home
The ball spills from a great Jack Lonie tackle and Paddy Ryder soccers it home
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00:34
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00:39
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00:30
Veteran forced from field after Giant blow
Greater Western Sydney's Sam Reid cops a knee to his ribs
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00:41
Essendon v Melbourne
10 Christian Petracca (MELB)
8 Bayley Fritsch (MELB)
4 Zach Merrett (ESS)
3 Max Gawn (MELB)
2 Steven May (MELB)
2 Jayden Hunt (MELB)
1 Mitchell W Brown (MELB)
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11:25
Rutten: We need Joe's decision 'reasonably quickly'
Incoming Essendon coach Ben Rutten discusses Joe Daniher's future with the club
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07:59
Goodwin: 'We've given it our best shot'
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says he has seen 'huge growth' in his side this year as the Dees await their finals fate
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02:03
Was this one final three-vote performance from Petracca?
Christian Petracca had another standout performance in Melbourne's win against Essendon
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06:24
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00:50
One final farewell for Woosha and Bellchambers
Melbourne and Essendon players line up to farewell John Worsfold and Tom Bellchambers
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00:33
Fritsch puts the final nail in the coffin
A quick snap from Bayley Fritsch seals the win for Melbourne
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00:42
Shiel's huge strike keeps the Bombers alive
Dylan Shiel steps to the side and kicks a massive goal from 50m
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00:37
Stringer flies and Smith scores
Jake Stringer completely misses the mark but Devon Smith mops up the mess
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00:37
Bulldozer Neal-Bullen with courage on display
Alex Neal-Bullen keeps his eye on the ball and kicks a brilliant goal
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00:20
Stringer's passion on show after big goal for the Bombers
Jake Stringer kisses his jumper after kicking a goal right on quarter time
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00:38
Petracca's bullet pass sets up a sitter for Hunt
A perfect kick from Christian Petracca and chain of handballs from Melbourne ends in a Jayden Hunt goal
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00:56
Hunt puts on the jets and drives home a major
Jayden Hunt gets on the move inside 50 and scores Melbourne's first of the day in style
Adelaide v Richmond
9 Shane Edwards (RICH)
6 Jayden Short (RICH)
5 Dustin Martin (RICH)
4 Reilly O'Brien (ADEL)
3 Nick Vlastuin (RICH)
2 Kane Lambert (RICH)
1 Jack Graham (RICH)
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14:38
Nicks: 'It needs to sting and it does'
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks says despite a 'really disappointing season' he's 'excited for what the future holds' for the Crows
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06:09
Hardwick: 'Good players' will have to miss out on finals
With the likes of Tom Lynch, Shai Bolton and Dion Prestia a good chance to return for finals Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says positions will be tight
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06:28
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00:43
A simply superb snap from Lambert
Kane Lambert extends the Tigers' lead with a lovely pickup and goal
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00:45
Tiger shows off his strength
Josh Caddy shakes off an injury concern and kicks a big goal for the Tigers
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00:39
Tempers flare as Cotch and Crouch fire up
The Tigers and Crows tussle after Trent Cotchin gives away a free kick to Brad Crouch
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00:20
Knee injury sparks doubt for Caddy
Josh Caddy appears to be in discomfort at half-time after injuring his knee during a marking contest
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00:45
Clearing from the crowd pays off for McIntosh
Kamdyn McIntosh finds some space near the boundary and finishes with a lovely goal
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00:45
Aarts takes advantage of a clear run home
Jake Aarts takes the advantage, runs into an open goal and converts
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00:43
Tex becomes the all-time leading goalkicker for the Crows
Taylor Walker breaks Tony Modra's goal kicking record after kicking his 441st goal
Brisbane v Carlton
9 Daniel Rich (BL)
8 Lachie Neale (BL)
7 Callum Ah Chee (BL)
4 Samuel Walsh (CARL)
1 Brandon Starcevich (BL)
1 Harrison McKay (CARL)
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09:14
Teague: We need to 'be stronger' in the 'critical moments'
Carlton coach David Teague says see-sawing performances have 'happened too often' for the Blues this season
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05:22
Fagan on minor premiership: 'It's always good to do something historical'
Chris Fagan says his side has given itself a chance to 'do something no other Brisbane side has done'
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06:47
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01:01
A final goodbye for Carlton champions
Kade Simpson and Matthew Kreuzer are surrounded by Brisbane and Carlton players as they leave the ground
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00:38
Hipwood kicks a cracker at full speed
Eric Hipwood receives a handball from Stefan Martin and finishes with a classy goal
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00:56
Retiring Simmo strikes a goal to remember
Carlton champion Kade Simpson kicks a brilliant goal on the run during his final AFL game
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00:20
Curnow sticks it out in the rain for Simmo
Heavy rain can't stop Charlie Curnow from supporting Kade Simpson in his final game
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00:38
Martin's look-away handball somehow works to perfection
Stefan Martin attempts a look-away handball which results in a Lincoln McCarthy goal
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00:37
Casboult gets low and lands a blow
Levi Casboult gathers the ball and snaps a goal through traffic
Hawthorn v Gold Coast
10 Jack Gunston (HAW)
7 Liam Shiels (HAW)
5 Tom Mitchell (HAW)
3 David Swallow (GCFC)
2 Dylan Moore (HAW)
2 Damon Greaves (HAW)
1 Paul Puopolo (HAW)
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12:18
Clarko: 'A fitting farewell for Poppy and Stratts'
Alastair Clarksons says it was 'a special moment' having retiring club champion Ben Stratton earn a rare farewell goal, along with Paul Puopolo who starred with three of his own
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09:16
Dew: 'We let them run rings around us'
Stuart Dew says he was 'extremely disappointed' to finish the season on a sour note after an 'unacceptable first-quarter', but is optimistic his young squad will improve again next year
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03:29
Poppy steals the show, with some help from Jack
Retiring Hawthorn small forward Paul Puopolo ends his outstanding career with a superb performance, alongside his forward compatriot Jack Gunston
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07:00
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01:48
Amazing scenes after Stratton's fairytale achieved
Departing Hawthorn captain Ben Stratton gets swarmed by teammates after earning a much-anticipated goal to complete an emotional ending
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00:46
Departing Poppy gets everyone off their seats
Paul Puopolo has the whole Hawthorn club buzzing after scoring another stylish goal in his final game of AFL
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00:39
Rankine reaps rewards after ball thrown at him
Izak Rankine applies some great pressure and produces a stunning checkside on the boundary, following a free kick
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00:43
Gunston pulls yet another Jack out of the box
Jack Gunston continues his hot form with another major to his name, this time a soccer special on his left
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00:33
Hawks just wanted one Moore on the buzzer
Hawthorn end a dominant first term with a last-ditch goal on the siren through Dylan Moore
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00:55
Jy Farrar with an absolute eye-catcher, first AFL goal
Suns debutant Jy Farrar produces a moment of brilliance to notch his first ever AFL goal
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00:41
Oh Poppy, we'll miss these ones
Paul Puopolo conjures a stunning early dribbler in his farewell game
Sydney v Geelong
5 Patrick Dangerfield (GEEL)
5 Sam Menegola (GEEL)
5 Tom Stewart (GEEL)
4 Jed Bews (GEEL)
4 Josh Kennedy (SYD)
3 Tom Papley (SYD)
3 Jordan Dawson (SYD)
1 Callum Mills (SYD)
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10:01
Longmire: 'We had a real crack against a top four side'
John Longmire says 'there was a lot to like' about his side's brave effort against the Cats, who were playing for a top four spot
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12:19
Scott: 'I'm not even convinced we're in the best just yet'
Chris Scott believes his side possess enough 'determination and will' that can give them an opportunity to compete strongly in the finals, even if they get off to a slow start like today
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07:12
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00:29
Is this free harsh or correct against Hawkins?
Tom Hawkins is left frustrated and confused after being penalised for using his knee in a marking contest
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00:46
Look out everyone, it's Danger time
Paddy Dangerfield is single-handedly willing the Cats over the line with a stunning start to the final term, including three marks and two goals
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00:27
Debate rages on after Papley falls over
Tom Papley appears to be pushed while taking a shot, but on replay looks to slightly overplay the contact
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00:41
Young Swan more pumped than Paps after this celebration
Justin McInerney releases some serious emotion after scoring an important goal to open the third term
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00:19
This Cat absolutely pounces on unsuspecting Swan
Geelong's Jack Henry does brilliantly to mow down Will Hayward, who had no idea he was coming
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00:34
Papley simply too dangerous in this scenario
Tom Papley proves why he is one of the most-hyped small forwards in the business with this textbook crumbing goal
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00:32
Noise rises as the little master returns with a bang
Returning champion Gary Ablett electrifies the crowd with a beautiful assist, followed up with a typically brilliant goal on the burst
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00:42
Swans have two after bursting Blakey comes through
Nick Blakey crumbs the spillage to perfection and delivers a beautiful shot on the run
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs
9 Lachie Hunter (WB)
9 Tom Liberatore (WB)
6 Nat Fyfe (FRE)
4 Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
1 Patrick Lipinski (WB)
1 Caleb Serong (FRE)
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07:30
Longmuir: 'We're not where we want to be'
Despite some encouraging signs this year, Justin Longmuir is adamant his side isn't anywhere near where he expects them to be, declaring he's 'unsatisfied' and they have 'a long way to go'
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11:12
Bevo: 'We're over the moon'
Luke Beveridge says his side are ecstatic to be in the finals race after a slow start to the season and also gives an update on the injury status of Aaron Naughton
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05:53
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00:41
Daniel delivers knockout blow, finals ahead
The Bulldogs are all but in the finals after Caleb Daniel sneaks forward and puts the result beyond doubt
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00:42
Smith's sky-high shot hits the perfect spot
Bailey Smith sends a wonderful snap towards goal and inches the Dogs one step closer to that vital finish line
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00:20
Massive Dogs blow as Naughton off to hospital
The Bulldogs have suffered a big injury concern with key forward Aaron Naughton forced to leave the game following this clash
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00:45
Naughton snaps it through after Docker's horror blue
Brennan Cox has a moment he'd rather forget, spilling an easy mark in defence and allowing his opponent to make him pay full price
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00:39
This Brownlow medallist can sure kick a ball from 60
Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe delivers an incredible shot from distance
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00:39
Milestone Mitch turns to Messi
Mitch Wallis shows off some crafty skills in front of the sticks to notch this soccer special
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00:41
This ruckman's opening snap deserves another look
Sean Darcy gets the Dockers off to the best start possible with an awesome goal out of the ruck
Collingwood v Port Adelaide
9 Dan Houston (PORT)
8 Tom Rockliff (PORT)
6 Robbie Gray (PORT)
3 Darcy Byrne-Jones (PORT)
2 Travis Boak (PORT)
2 Taylor Adams (COLL)
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06:15
Buckley: 'We're either not far away or a long way away'
Watch Collingwood's press conference after round 18's match against Port Adelaide
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06:06
Hinkley: 'It matters what happens from here on'
Watch Port Adelaide's press conference after round 18's match against Collingwood
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06:38
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00:51
Houston shows respect for Pendlebury's guard of honour
The Power defender holds his words mid-interview to acknowledge Scott Pendlebury's moment as the Collingwood games record-holder
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00:37
Pies' record-breaker calm as ever to find De Goey
Collingwood games record-holder Scott Pendlebury draws the man and Jordan De Goey kicks an important goal
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00:41
Motlop's towering snap very high and handsome
Stevie Motlop has made a living of moments like this in front of goal
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00:32
Big Dixon with a big reaction to deft work
Charlie Dixon pounces on the ground ball and roars in delight
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00:38
Mihocek ready for anything, including a bizarre Hosk handball
Will Hoskin-Elliott catches everyone by surprise but Brody Mihocek saves the play
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00:34
This is Treloar at his bursting best from the stoppage
Collingwood midfielder Adam Treloar kicks his first goal of the 2020 season and it's a gem
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00:43
Ebert scores in a blink after Pies pair collide
The Power are on the board early through Brad Ebert and Isaac Quaynor is feeling the effects
LEADERBOARD
93 Lachie Neale BL
78 Christian Petracca MELB
77 Travis Boak PORT
72 Jack Steele STK
60 Taylor Adams COLL
59 Marcus Bontempelli WB
56 Nic Naitanui WCE
55 Zach Merrett ESS
48 Cameron Guthrie GEEL
46 Jack Macrae WB
44 Patrick Dangerfield GEEL
44 Luke Parker SYD
43 Scott Pendlebury COLL
43 Ollie Wines PORT
42 Dustin Martin RICH
41 Sam Menegola GEEL
41 Liam Ryan WCE
40 Lachie Whitfield GWS
39 Nat Fyfe FRE
39 Jarryd Lyons BL
