Five players poll perfectly as season heats up quickly: 2023 AFL MVP – Round 2

A wild round one was matched this weekend by upset after upset, leaving some top-end clubs fighting for points and some predicted low-end clubs riding the highest of highs.

The voters were on the same page for much of the round as five names were unanimously named best on ground, with some typical stars leading the charge for MVP.

Reminder: votes are given out in a 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 system for each game, meaning the maximum score any player can record in any game is 20.

Carlton vs Geelong

In another highly anticipated Thursday night blockbuster, fans were treated to a shoot-out for the ages as Jeremy Cameron and Charlie Curnow combined for 11 out of a total 25 goals on the night, Carlton escaping with an eight point win.

While the Blues' big man took home the chocolates to go with his bag of five, Jeremy Cameron put together an all-time performance; booting six crucial goals from all over the stadium, while racking up 25 disposals in all areas of the ground. It was the Carlton supporting cast that proved to be the difference however, as Blues players exclusively rounded out the remaining votes behind Curnow and Cameron.

Adam Saad has so far maintained his 2022 excellence, providing threatening run off half back and a damaging left leg to launch attack. Jacob Weitering also routinely shows why he is a top-liner in defence by doing his part again, albeit on a hampered Hawkins.

Through the midfield, Ed Curnow was back to his best, winning contested ball and providing the hard edge we've seen during the last decade from him. He was supported nicely by the in & under Matt Kennedy while Blake Acres played his best game for the club with 26 touches and 11 marks.

Tom De Koning also excited Blues fans with his notably versatile performance in the ruck, let's hope to see more of this in the future.

Brisbane vs Melbourne

The power outage at the Gabba was nearly catastrophic for the Lions as their opponent wrestled back a 40-point deficit to lose by just 11 points, but it was a much-needed performance from Brisbane in the first 3 1/2 quarters.

The return of Dayne Zorko seemed critical as the former captain led from the front, racking up 22 disposals, nine marks and two goals before being subbed out; a near costly move by Chris Fagan.

Behind Zorko, preseason rising star favourite Will Ashcroft made his mark in the big time with 31 quick disposals, complimented with a goal, while recruit Josh Dunkley did exactly what is expected of him by collecting 26 himself with nine clearances.

Lachie Neale may take a step back in production this year with these additions, but he was still pivotal with his 27 and eight marks, while Joe Daniher polled three votes with his four majors.

For the Dees, Clayton Oliver racked up the stats and looks to be in for yet another Brownlow contending year, but his impact probably didn't match the 37 disposals and nine tackles he laid.

Collingwood v Port Adelaide

Collingwood look like the team to beat in the early stages of the season as their Saturday arvo matchup quickly became an onslaught.

Sophomore superstar Nick Daicos is astonishingly already a Brownlow contender as he escaped an early tag to come away with 32 touches and two goals at high efficiency once again. By his side, Scott Pendlebury just keeps on producing, he was brilliant again with his 20 disposals and six tackles.

Through the midfield, Darcy Cameron did what SuperCoach owners were hoping for as he stuffed the stat sheet and dominated Lycett and stoppages and around the ground. On the outside, Steele Sidebottom was dynamic with his 24 disposals and one major.

Rounding out the votes, John Noble was classy out of defence while Darcy Moore was typically rock solid.

Adelaide vs Richmond

This was a critical game with both sides looking for their first win on the season but it was the Tigers of old who were too strong for the Crows despite their third quarter comeback.

Jacob Hopper enjoyed his best game for the Tigers so far, getting his hands on the hard ball next to his mate Tim Taranto who starred again with 28 disposals.

In defence, Noah Balta was terrific in the air and by foot, as was fan favourite Liam Baker who collected 25 disposals and a goal.

Toby Nankervis has flown under the radar this year, he was again brilliant in the ruck with 37 hitouts, 18 disposals and four tackles, while Tom Lynch improved his Coleman medal chances with three goals.

For the Crows, Rory Laird responded tremendously from his round one struggles, he was back to his sensational best with 39 touches and eight tackles.

Western Bulldogs vs St Kilda

St Kilda's dream start to 2023 continued on Saturday night as they shockingly dominated the star-studded Western Bulldogs with a still thoroughly undermanned squad.

Skipper Jack Steele was courageous in the trenches but copped punishment with an unfortunate collar-bone injury that will see him sidelined for a month.

Rowan Marshall returned to his dynamic best, racking up 29 hit-outs with 20 disposals and six tackles. Jack Sinclair was brilliant out of defence and through the corridor, collecting 33 disposals himself, while Mason Wood put together another quality performance on the wing with 24 and a goal.

Mitchito Owens is proving himself as a hybrid forward, he was excellent with three goals, as was second-game teammate Mattaes Phillipou.

For the Dogs, there wasn't much to celebrate despite a good outing from Tom English who matched Marshall in the ruck and added a goal on the half-time siren.

Fremantle vs North Melbourne

A Saturday night classic at Optus produced one of the most unexpected results in recent memory as North Melbourne held out the Dockers by a solitary point.

Luke Davies-Uniacke took his place alone at the top of the MVP leaderboard with another perfect score, he was sensational in the midfield once again and may challenge for a Brownlow if he can maintain this type of production.

Second-gamer Harry Sheezel may be an All-Australian back flanker at this stage, his match saving effort with 40 seconds to go was a true testament to his maturity and class. Another All-Australian level performer thus far has been Nick Larkey who is developing into one of the league's best key forwards and currently leads the Coleman race with 10 goals.

There were countless Kangaroos contributing on the night, but some other standouts included Aidan Corr, Jy Simpkin, Cam Zuhaar and Ben Cunnington who all impacted the match with their class, toughness and experience in crunch time moments.

The Dockers are another team without much to celebrate. However, the performances of Andrew Brayshaw, Luke Ryan, Jaeger O'Meara and Brennan Cox were noteworthy.

Sydney vs Hawthorn

In a Sunday afternoon belting, Sydney catapulted to the top of the ladder while Hawthorn fell to the bottom in a miserable performance at the SCG.

Callum Mills polled a perfect 20; he was dynamic with 28 disposals, six marks and two goals. Exciting key forward pair Logan McDonald and Joel Amartey kicked nine between them and have probably created some selection headaches with Franklin set to return next week.

Luke Parker continues to embody the bloods culture at Sydney as he added 27 disposals while Errol Gulden and Nick Blakey are two elite left-footers who may challenge for a best & fairest this season.

Essendon vs Gold Coast

The Bombers continued their positive start under Brad Scott with a final quarter flurry of goals to edge out the winless Gold Coast Suns by 28 points.

Five goals for Kyle Langford saw him take out the brunt of the votes, he was an ideal key forward replacement for absentees Peter Wright and Sam Weideman.

Through the midfield, the Bombers have suddenly found some depth with Will Setterfield who collected 28 disposals, supporting Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett and Dylan Shiel nicely.

Out of defence, Mason Redman and Andy McGrath were explosive while Brandon Zerk-Thatcher was rock solid. Bombers fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery for the young defender looking to hit his straps in their side.

Touk Miller was positive for the Suns with 31 touches but there won't be much celebrating in the Gold Coast right now.

West Coast vs GWS

The final match of the round saw West Coast respond to last week's disappointment with a dominant second quarter, resulting in a 19-point victory over a depleted Giants side.

Tim Kelly polled the final perfect 20 of the round with his 32 touches and goal, showing glimpses of the fine form he displayed from 2018-2020. Sharpshooter Jake Waterman booted four while Liam Ryan was damaging forward of centre once again.

Through the backline, Jeremy McGovern looks to have found form this year while Jermaine Jones plays the running half-back role very effectively. Rookie Reuben Ginbey also continues to impress with his tenacity.

For the undermanned Giants, Stephen Coniglio looks in for another big year after an explosive performance out of the guts, while Matt Flynn is hitting his straps as a starting ruckman in the AFL, dominating stoppages on the day with 39 hit-outs.

RANK			LAST ROUND	TOTAL
1		Luke Davies-Uniacke	20	40
2		Nick Daicos	18	32
3		Darcy Parish	12	29
4		Harry Sheezel	13	28
5		Stephen Coniglio	3	22
5		Mason Wood	9	22
7		Jason Horne-Francis	0	20
7		Jack Steele	19	20
7		Callum Mills	20	20
7		Dayne Zorko	20	20
7		Jeremy Cameron	20	20
7		Tim Kelly	20	20

Full 2023 MVP leaderboard