Two Cats have been recognised for their strong performances against Hawthorn on Monday, with Tom Stewart and Bailey Smith both receiving coaches votes in the AFLCA's Champion Player of the Year Award. 

Stewart was adjudged Geelong's best by the coaches, receiving five votes for his display across half back, finishing the match with 22 disposals and nine marks in another solid outing for the champion defender. 

Going at a remarkable 100% disposal efficiency, Stewart collected a team-high nine intercept possessions and four intercept marks to help thwart a number of Hawthorn's attacks, while also recording seven rebound 50s to help spark Geelong's ball movement. 

Smith received two votes from the coaches to take his season tally to 11 votes, putting together another strong showing where he collected a game-high 33 disposals against the Hawks. 

The star on-baller gathered six clearances and amassed 663 metres gained on Monday afternoon, also registering eight inside 50s and six score involvements to have an impact in the forward half. 

But his impact was not limited to Geelong's offence, with Smith also pushing back and winning seven intercept possessions to cap off another impressive display. 

The AFL Coaches Association’s 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 4 Coaches' Votes | Hawthorn v Geelong

Geelong Cats 2026 Coaches' Votes Leaderboard