Jamie Cripps and Tim Taranto were both rewarded for inspired displays in do-or-die matches with 10 votes apiece in coaches' assessments for the Gary Ayres Medal following the first week of finals.
The Gary Ayres Medal is provided to the best player in the finals series each year since its inception in 2016, with Josh J. Kennedy, Dustin Martin and Steele Sidebottom its previous winners.
WEST COAST (116) DEF. ESSENDON (61)
Jamie Cripps 10
Luke Shuey 8
Nic Naitanui 4
Josh Kennedy 3
Brad Sheppard 2
Lewis Jetta 2
Jack Redden 1
GEELONG (51) DEF. BY COLLINGWOOD (61)
Patrick Dangerfield 7
Scott Pendlebury 5
Jeremy Howe 5
Taylor Adams 4
Steele Sidebottom 3
Darcy Moore 3
Tom Phillips 3
GWS (113) DEF. WESTERN BULLDOGS (55)
Tim Taranto 10
Jacob Hopper 7
Lachie Whitfield 4
Josh Kelly 3
Jeremy Finlayson 2
Matt de Boer 2
Toby Greene 2
BRISBANE LIONS (65) DEF. BY RICHMOND (112)
Shane Edwards 9
Dustin Martin 9
Dylan Grimes 4
Lachie Neale 3
Luke Hodge 3
Dion Prestia 2
LEADERBOARD
Jamie Cripps 10
Tim Taranto 10
Shane Edwards 9
Dustin Martin 9
Luke Shuey 8
