There are not many superlatives left to describe Connor O'Sullivan's year, such has been the impact of the young defender in just his second full season at the elite level, following another outstanding performance against Melbourne in Round 20. 

O'Sullivan polled a game-high nine coaches votes in Geelong's victory over the Demons, taking his season tally to 20 votes as he firmly establishes himself as one of the competition's best key defenders. 

Holding down the fort once again, the young star finished with 21 disposals, 12 intercept possessions and a game-high five intercept marks last Friday night, which included seven intercepts in the second half alone.

The 21-year-old ranks sixth in the competition for intercept possessions and seventh for intercept marks in 2026, while also sitting in the top 10 for spoils as he continues a remarkable campaign. 

Shannon Neale was awarded six coaches votes after tearing the game open inside forward 50, kicking four goals in the opening half and finishing the match with five, his fifth bag of three goals or more this season. 

The big Cat also dished off two goal assists and registered a team-high nine score involvements, consistently looking a threat while also being able to break contests and bring the ball to ground for Geelong's small forwards. 

Shaun Mannagh received three coaches votes in Round 20, adding some class to Geelong's forward half to finish with eight score involvements from 18 disposals while also kicking a goal of his own, his 13th match hitting the scoreboard in 2026. 

Oisin Mullin also added to his season tally with three coaches votes, doing a stellar job in quelling the influence of Kysaiah Pickett, limiting the Demons star to just 14 disposals and a goal to claim another scalp. 

Tom Stewart rounded out the votes in Round 20, receiving two for a typically stoic performance across half back, collecting 25 disposals and 11 intercept possessions against the Demons. 

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 20 Coaches' Votes | Melbourne v Geelong Cats

Geelong Cats 2026 Coaches' Votes Leaderboard