Dockers duo dominate, Collingwood superstar closes in on lead: AFL MVP – Round 15

There is a new contender in Zero Hanger's AFL MVP race, with Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos surging into the top three after a perfect 20-vote performance against the tag of Marcus Windhager on Saturday night.

Despite the physicality presented to him, Daicos took advantage of the extra attention, creating space for his teammates at the centre bounce. His pace saw him out-run Windhager on the outside of the contest, ultimately recording a team-high 30 disposals, 416 metres gained and a goal in what was ultimately a comfortable win for the Magpies. Daicos has now recorded 130 votes total this season, trailing Adelaide's Jordan Dawson (136) and Geelong's Bailey Smith (140) for the lead.

Darcy Cameron's efforts in the ruck and inside 50 in this game saw him recognised with 14 votes from our staff, competing well with Rowan Marshall and kicking two goals and six clearances from 19 disposals.

Only one other player scored a perfect 20 votes this weekend: Marcus Bontempelli. In arguably one of the best individual performances this season, Bont torched the young Tigers for 36 disposals and three goals as the Bulldogs waltzed to a 79-point win. Sam Darcy continues his ascent as the game's next transcendent key forward, kicking a bag of five goals and earning 16 votes in the process.

Fremantle are beginning to tap into the true potential that the combination of their superstars can bring, Thursday night's win over Essendon highlighting that in a big way. Luke Jackson (19 votes) had the best game of his career as the Dockers extended their win streak to five games, tallying 21 disposals, three goals and a career-high 48 hitouts over Bombers rookie Vigo Visentini. His work rate unlocked the midfield duo of Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw, both of whom have quietly climbed into the top five of the AFL MVP race. Serong's 35 disposals, seven clearances and two goals saw him receive 17 votes, now sitting at 119 for the year, while Brayshaw notched nine votes for his 29 touches and a goal.

Essendon will be ruing not playing Zach Merrett inside the centre square more often, Will Setterfield unable to contain Serong with a tag, which led to Fremantle dominating the clearance battle 44-26. However, Jye Caldwell's efforts cannot be denied - his 32 disposals and eight clearances earning him nine votes.

Brisbane's midfield was far too good for the Cats on Friday night, but Harris Andrews (17 votes) stole the show, drawing multiple free kicks on Shannon Neale and recording ten spoils. He was also involved in six defensive one-on-ones and didn't lose any, while taking five intercept marks. No matter how Geelong targeted their forward line, they struggled to penetrate deep inside 50, resulting in a poor showing in front of the sticks.

Noah Anderson is now in the top 15 after recording 19 votes on the weekend, now on 94 total for the season. Gold Coast may have fallen short to the Giants, but it's impossible to ignore Anderson's dominance in the contest, recording 42 touches, two goals and seven clearances. Tom Green got recognition among many Giants who starred on Sunday, his 31 disposals and ridiculous 16 clearances tallying him 17 votes.

Other strong pollers from Round 15 were Luke Davies-Uniacke (18 votes) with 30 disposals in North Melbourne's upset win over Carlton, and Isaac Heeney (19 votes,) who dominated the Miles Bergman tag as Sydney's season is kept alive.

Fremantle vs Essendon

Geelong vs Brisbane

Carlton vs North Melbourne

Port Adelaide vs Sydney

Collingwood vs St Kilda

GWS vs Gold Coast

Western Bulldogs vs Richmond

LEADERBOARD

RANK		PLAYER	LAST ROUND	TOTAL
1		Bailey Smith	0	140
2		Jordan Dawson	0	136
3		Nick Daicos	20	130
4		Andrew Brayshaw	9	129
5		Caleb Serong	17	119
6		Ed Richards	4	110
6		Tom Green	17	110
8		Max Holmes	0	108
9		Steele Sidebottom	0	98
9		Zak Butters	14	98

To view the full leaderboard, click here.