A brilliant four quarter performance from Max Holmes did not go unnoticed on Saturday afternoon, with the superstar on-baller topping the coaches votes in Geelong's Round 1 victory over Fremantle. 

Holmes received eight votes for his 32 disposal performance against the Dockers, also recording five clearances and a game-high seven inside 50s. 

His ability to drive the ball forward was telling, amassing 657 metres gained and finishing with 10 score involvements to have a big impact as Geelong staged their second half comeback.

Shannon Neale was awarded seven votes by the coaches for an outstanding display, equalling his career-high with a five-goal haul on Saturday afternoon. 

The big Cat was particularly impactful in the second half, kicking four goals from his five disposals while also taking a game-high four contested marks against a strong Fremantle defence. 

Shaun Mannagh received four votes for his strong performance, finishing the afternoon with 16 disposals and three goals while also recording eight score involvements. 

After a disappointing opening term, Mannagh was the one to provide a spark as he booted three consecutive goals to open the second quarter, breathing life into the Cats and starting the significant momentum shift. 

Jeremy Cameron was the final Cat to feature in the coaches votes, awarded two for his brilliant display on return. 

Kicking three goals in the first half, Cameron was also able to roam up the ground and find plenty of the football, recording 23 disposals and 10 marks along with an equal game-high 11 score involvements. 

The AFL Coaches Association’s AFL Champion Player Award is an award voted by the 18 coaching panels on a 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 basis after each home and away game, acknowledging outstanding effort by an individual player in a season.

Round 1 Coaches Votes | Geelong Cats v Fremantle

Geelong Cats 2026 Coaches' Votes Leaderboard