Cats star recruit takes lead, Crows captain the latest smokey: AFL MVP – Round 10

There's a new leader in Zero Hanger's AFL MVP race, with just two players polling a perfect 20 votes at the conclusion of Round 10.

Geelong's superstar recruit Bailey Smith and his comeback season off an ACL injury is turning into one of the great stories of 2025, as he racked up another 30 disposals against Port Adelaide on Saturday afternoon. His 12 votes from our staff send him into first place with 98 total, jumping Fremantle gun Andrew Brayshaw to take a four-vote lead. However, it was Jeremy Cameron and his bag of seven goals that would poll strongest for this clash, the key forward securing 19 votes for his efforts, also now sitting third in the Coleman Medal race.

Isaac Heeney and Shai Bolton both had weekends to remember in New South Wales, each polling perfect 20 vote scores. After being dealt some criticism for his drop in form from his sensational 2024 season, Heeney made a statement with 38 disposals and nine clearances in a monstrous effort that keeps Sydney's top eight hopes alive. If Heeney had kicked straight, he would probably have gone home with a bag of goals too, kicking 2.5 in front of the sticks.

Bolton's 24 disposals and three goals led the Dockers' attack, as he continues to showcase his elite threat inside 50. With some calling for him to play on the wing or from half back to make more of an impact around the contest, he quietened the doubters with ten score involvements and five ground ball wins inside forward 50 alone. His dynamic role, which included attending 48% of centre bounces, saw him win three centre clearances and rack up 12 contested possessions, only outdone by Luke Jackson (11 votes).

John Noble (17 votes) and Bailey Dale (19 votes) set the mark for half backs over the weekend, both eclipsing the one kilometre mark for metres gained in each of their club's statement victories. Dale's insane 49 disposals is the highest tally in the Bulldogs' 100 years in the VFL/AFL, but it was truly a team effort in the Dogs blowout win over Essendon, Ed Richards also polling a strong 17 votes for his 27 disposals and two goals.

Jordan Dawson, despite Adelaide's loss to the Magpies, gained 19 votes to launch himself into the top three of the MVP race, now appearing to be a Brownlow smokey. His 27 disposals, eight tackles and clutch late goal gave the Crows every chance to upset Collingwood, but the Magpies demonstrated their premiership credentials, Nick Daicos (13 votes) and Jeremy Howe (8 votes) instrumental in holding on late.

In Sunday's action, the rucks dominated, with the enthralling duel between Tristan Xerri (19 votes) and Toby Nankervis (8 votes) headlining North Melbourne's thrilling win at the MCG. Max Gawn also polled well, eight votes furthering his rise into the top ten this season, but Petracca and Kysaiah Pickett won over our voters most for their stellar performances, 15 and 17 votes respectively.

Despite the embarrassing loss to the previously winless Eagles, Rowan Marshall did everything he could for the Saints, winning a season-high 40 hitouts, five clearances and 27 disposals which earned him 17 votes. It was West Coast's rising star Brady Hough who polled the best in this match, the 22-year-old kicking a critical third quarter goal amongst his 24 disposals to knock the wind out of St Kilda's sails.

Gold Coast vs Hawthorn

Sydney vs Carlton

Collingwood vs Adelaide

GWS vs Fremantle

Port Adelaide vs Geelong

Western Bulldogs vs Essendon

Richmond vs North Melbourne

Brisbane vs Melbourne

West Coast vs St Kilda

LEADERBOARD

RANK		PLAYER	LAST ROUND	TOTAL
1		Bailey Smith	12	98
2		Andrew Brayshaw	4	94
3		Jordan Dawson	19	89
4		Connor Rozee	0	86
5		Nick Daicos	13	82
5		Ed Richards	17	82
7		Chad Warner	16	81
8		Tristan Xerri	19	76
9		Max Gawn	8	75
10		Izak Rankine	1	73