Max Holmes has continued his ascension up the overall leaderboard in the AFLCA's Champion Player of the Year Award, receiving a perfect 10 votes for his performance against North Melbourne on Saturday afternoon. 

Collecting a team-high 29 disposals, the star Cat broke the game open with his run and carry, amassing 802 metres gained while also kicking two crucial goals to help the Cats arrest momentum in a tense third quarter. 

With his 10 votes in Round 8, Holmes has taken his overall tally to 37 votes for the year which moves him into a share of fourth place on the overall leaderboard, sitting just behind the top three of Nick Daicos, Zak Butters and Marcus Bontempelli. 

Connor O'Sullivan featured in the votes for the first time this year, receiving five votes for his pivotal display in the victory over the Kangaroos. 

The young Cat collected 12 disposals and 10 spoils in Round 8, but spent plenty of time on North Melbourne's star forward Nick Larkey, restricting him to just nine disposals and one goal. 

Shaun Mannagh received four votes for his performance against the Kangaroos, taking his tally to 13 votes for the season which is the third most of any Cat behind Max Holmes and Bailey Smith. 

At his brilliant best from the start of the game, Mannagh kicked a game-high four goals from his 18 disposals and added seven inside 50s along with four clearances, capping off a well-rounded display from the clever forward. 

Rounding out the votes for Geelong was Oisin Mullin with two, the third time in the last six weeks that he has featured in the coaches votes.  

The Irishman was able to have an impact with ball in hand collecting 18 disposals, six tackles and seven intercept possessions, but also played an effective negating role on Harry Sheezel, holding the Kangaroos star to just 20 disposals which was by far his lowest total of the year. 

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 8 Coaches' Votes | Geelong Cats v North Melbourne

Geelong Cats 2026 Coaches' Votes Leaderboard