OLIVIA Purcell has reminded the league of her dominance through the midfield, receiving the top coaches votes in her return from an ACL injury.
In her first game since injuring her knee almost 12 months ago, the powerful midfielder stood out through the centre of the ground, amassing 32 disposals, nine tackles and five score involvements.Â
Melbourne skipper Kate Hore was also important in her side’s 19-point victory, with 22 disposals, five marks and nine score involvements.
Four-goal forward Mia Austin and silky midfielder Tyla Hanks both received two votes apiece.
Every week, the two senior coaches from each game five votes on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, meaning 10 votes is the maximum player can get in each round.
The player with the most votes at the end of the home and away season will win the AFLCA AFLW Champion Player of the Year.Â
ROUND 1 | Hawthorn v Melbourne
10 Olivia Purcell (MELB)
8 Kate Hore (MELB)
6 Lucy Wales (HAW)
2 Mia Austin (MELB)
2 Tyla Hanks (MELB)
1 Aine McDonagh (HAW)
1 Jacqueline Dupuy (HAW)
LEADERBOARD
10 Rebecca Beeson GWS
10 Monique Conti RICH
10 Jess Fitzgerald WB
10 Teagan Germech PORT
10 Ally Morphett SYD
10 Olivia Purcell MELB
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