STAR Hawks Sam Mitchell, Cyril Rioli and Brad Sewell have been nominated by teammates for the AFL Players’ Association Most Valuable Player Award.

While the Hawks have enjoyed a consistent output from players across the course of the 23-round home-and-away season, the playing group believe the trio have been the most valauble contributors.

In other award categories, Ben Stratton has been nominated for the Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award.

Stratton has enjoyed a consistent season, after being struck down by a knee injury early in 2011. He has made the most of his opportunity, emerging as a vital players in the Hawks' defensive structure.

Young speedster Bradley Hill has been nominated for the Best First Year Player Award after playing five matches in his debut season.

Originally from Western Australia, Hill was drafted by the Hawks with its second round selection, number 33 overall. He made his debut in his home state, in Hawthorn's Round 4 clash against West Coast at Patersons Satdium.

Fearless leader Luke Hodge is also a strong contender in the Best Captain Award category.

As in previous years, the MVP voting process begins with each team voting for the  three players who provide the best overall value to their own team.

Then, in the second round of voting, all AFL players choose from the list of 51 nominees to determine who will be the MVP (they cannot vote for players from their own team in second round).

The MVP remains the only peer voted award in the AFL industry and is celebrating its 30th year since conception.

The 2012 AFL Players’ Association MVP Award Winners will be announced on Tuesday 11 September at Peninsula, Shed 14 Central Pier, Docklands and will be broadcast exclusively on Fox Footy at 9.30pm.