DESPITE falling four points short of victory on Sunday, four Melbourne players were recognised in the voting for the AFL Coaches Associations AFLW Champion Player of the Year award.

While North Melbourne forward Emma King was awarded a game-high six votes for her three-goal performance, the remainder of the votes were evenly distributed among the two sides.

Midfield duo Lily Mithen (22 disposals) and Kate Hore (18 disposals) led the way for Melbourne, receiving five votes each for their efforts in the centre of the ground.

Mithen stood up in the second half when the game was on the line and her poise with ball in hand was a crucial factor for her side, while Hore’s polish shone as always.

First-year Demon Tyla Hanks was impressive yet again and earned three votes for her 12-disposal outing on Sunday afternoon.

The 19-year-old kicked a classy banana goal and continues to have a major influence in her debut season.

Vice-captain Karen Paxman took out the final vote which helped her remain in the running for the award.

Paxman was the leading possession getter on the ground once again and is now placed equal-third on the leaderboard.

AFLCA Votes

Round 4: Melbourne v North Melbourne

6 – Emma King (NMFC)

5 – Kate Hore (MELB)

5 – Jess Duffin (NMFC)

5 – Lily Mithen (MELB)

5 – Emma Kearney (NMFC)

3 – Tyla Hanks (MELB)

1 – Karen Paxman (MELB)

AFLW Leaderboard:

26 – Erin Phillips (ADEL)

24 – Ally Anderson (BRIS)

19 – Ellie Blackburn (WBD)

19 – Ebony Marinoff (ADEL)

19 – Karen Paxman (MELB)

18 – Lauren Pearce (MELB)