HAWTHORN star Lance Franklin polled a game-high seven votes for his eight-goal haul against the Bombers on Friday night, but interestingly didn’t receive the maximum 10 votes from the coaches.
In his return from a two-week stint on the sidelines with knee swelling, Franklin was best on ground for the Hawks with 19 disposals, six marks and eight goals from 11 scoring shots.
He booted four goals in each half, with three of the eight coming in the opening term as he sparked his side into action when the Bombers burst out of the blocks early.
He had four goals to half time and five to three-quarter time before kicking another three majors in the final term to lead his side to a big win over the then second-placed Bombers.
Alastair Clarkson and James Hird didn’t award him the maximum 10 votes in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award, however, at odds over the Hawthorn players who had the most influence.
For much of the night, the supply to Franklin and fellow forwards Jarryd Roughead (four goals and three votes), Jack Gunston and co. was first class, with the Hawthorn midfield asserting its dominance over their Essendon counterparts.
Part of that dominance was because of the pressure applied to Essendon and the ability of Hawthorn to force turnovers through tackling pressure. From there, the Hawks used their elite skills to deliver lace-out to Franklin and Roughead.
Sam Mitchell earned five votes for his 31 disposal, seven tackle and four inside 50 performance. He also had three score assists and sliced through the Essendon midfield and defence with aplomb.
Paul Puopolo was also rewarded with five votes for his 23 touches from the midfield and forward line.
In one of his best games for the year, Puopolo showed why he can be damaging both with the ball and without it, also laying 10 tackles for the game.
Cyril Rioli also received five votes after his explosive effort through the midfield and forward lines.
In his fourth game back from injury, Rioli seemed to regain his pace off the mark and ability to impact a game with limited opportunities.
He was one of the most influential players on the ground, despite gathering just 14 disposals.
Rioli laid five tackles, had eight inside 50s and four score assists in the win. He is clearly now building into the form he showed before being injured in Round 5.
Ben Stratton again received votes for his role in defence, earning four from the coaches, while Roughead polled three votes for his four-goal performance and Jordan Lewis received a vote for his 21 disposal effort while tagging Dyson Heppell.
Essendon v Hawthorn
7 Franklin (Haw)
5 Mitchell (Haw)
5 Puopolo (Haw)
5 Rioli (Haw)
4 Stratton (Haw)
3 Roughead (Haw)
1 Lewis (Haw)
Round 18 Leaderboard
85 Gary Ablett (GC)
80 Kieren Jack (Syd)
70 Daniel Hannebery (Syd)
68 Joel Selwood (Gee)
64 Scott Pendlebury (Coll)
58 Ryan Griffen (WB)
57 Patrick Dangerfield (Adel)
57 Nathan Fyfe (Fre)
56 Jarrad McVeigh (Syd)
54 Jobe Watson (Ess)
