In-form Collingwood midfielder, Steele Sidebottom, has assumed the lead in the 2018 Shadforth Financial Group AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award, following another strong performance in the Anzac Day clash.

Sidebottom received seven votes from the respective coaches for his 25 disposals and three goals in the Magpies’ dominant performance against Essendon in the annual marquee fixture, with Anzac Medallist Adam Treloar scoring maximum votes for his best on ground efforts.

Sidebottom jumped ahead of Tom Mitchell, who had been leading since Round 1, with Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe launching to second place on the leaderboard.

Playing his best game since the Anzac Day clash in 2015, Adelaide’s Paul Seedsman was duly rewarded in the 2018 Shadforth Financial Group AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award.

Seedsman, who has battled various groin and hip issues since crossing to the Crows before the 2016 season, was unanimously named as the best player on the ground by the respective coaches in the Crows’ stirring victory on Friday night, receiving 10 votes for his 26 disposals, 12 of which were contested, and one goal against the Swans.

Seedsman’s skipper, Taylor Walker, also responded to the criticism directed his way after the club’s Round 4 loss, collecting six coaches’ votes for his 16 touches, seven marks and four goals.

Unassuming Gold Coast midfielder Touk Miller received 10 votes for his 21 disposals, while keeping Brisbane live wire Dayne Zorko to only 10 touches as the Suns held on for a five-point win in the Q-Clash.

Six of the seven matches played so far in Round 5 have resulted in maximum votes being awarded from the coaches, including Seb Ross (31 disposals and seven inside 50s), Patrick Cripps (34 touches and 11 tackles), Nat Fyfe (43 disposals and 13 clearances) and Ben Cunnington (30 touches).

AFL Coaches’ Association votes for Round 5: