Superstar Cat Bailey Smith has been adjudged the best Geelong player on the ground by the coaches in Round 19, receiving an equal game-high nine votes for his performance in the victory over the Saints. 

Smith accumulated 35 disposals last Thursday, which is remarkably his 14th time collecting 30 disposals or more in 17 games this season, while also generating a game-high 868 metres gained to continually drive the Cats into attack. 

The brilliant on-baller finished with nine inside 50 entries and six score involvements, now taking his season tally to 64 coaches votes which is tied for ninth on the overall leaderboard. 

Gryan Miers followed closely behind Smith in his first AFL appearance since Round 13, receiving six votes from the coaches after a sensational outing against St Kilda. 

The clever forward had a direct hand in seven of Geelong's 15 goals in the contest, kicking three majors of his own and dishing off another four direct goal assists, which resulted in a game-high 12 score involvements. 

Tom Atkins was awarded two votes for another traditionally tough and uncompromising performance, collecting 21 disposals and laying eight tackles in Round 19, now sitting fourth in the AFL for tackles this season. 

Also winning eight clearances and kicking a goal, Atkins provided a spark around stoppages and in contested situations, while also adding four score involvements in a well-rounded display. 

Oisin Mullin also received two votes for his job on Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, limiting the Saints star to just 21 disposals which was his lowest tally since Round 1, while also having an impact himself with ball in hand. 

With his votes from Round 19, Mullin now takes his season tally to 18 which is remarkably the fourth most of any Geelong player this season, quickly becoming one of the most feared taggers in the competition.

Another Cat that shone in their AFL return, James Worpel was awarded one vote after collecting 24 disposals and seven clearances against the Saints, while also generating over 500 metres gained and five score involvements in a terrific performance. 

Jack Henry rounded out the voting for Thursday night's game, with his move back into defence paying dividends as he picked off five intercept marks and a game-high eight spoils, having a profound impact in Geelong's back 50. 

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 19 Coaches' Votes | Geelong Cats v St Kilda

Geelong Cats 2026 Coaches' Votes Leaderboard