A best-on-ground performance from Adelaide midfielder Ebony Marinoff headlines the nominations for Round 3’s AFLW MVP of the Week.

Collingwood star Jaimee Lambert and North Melbourne midfielder Ashleigh Riddell are the other candidates in line for the weekly award.

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Stepping up in the absence of two-time AFLPA AFLW MVP Erin Phillips this season, Marinoff was back to her dominant best against Geelong on the weekend. The tough midfielder collected 25 disposals (17 contested) as she willed herself to every contest, proving too much for the Cats. Marinoff finished with the game with 17 contested possessions, 12 tackles and 11 clearances – only four less than Geelong combined.

Nominated for the first time in her career, Collingwood’s 2019 best-and-fairest winner Lambert was the Magpies’ star performer as they fell short by three points to Fremantle in the west. Lambert finished the game with 31 disposals, eight tackles and one goal, becoming the first AFLW player to do so.

Setting the tone in North Melbourne’s 56-point win over competition newcomers Richmond, Riddell had 17 touches to half-time. A quieter second half meant the 23-year-old finished with 21 disposals but her hard work in the first-half set up the team’s win. Riddell also added four inside 50s, two marks and two rebound 50s, rounding out her best-on-ground performance.

The AFL Players’ Association AFLW MVP of the Week is in its third year and looks to recognise the AFLW’s best performers each round. Fans will get the choice to select the MVP of the Week, after three names have been put forward by the AFLPA. 

All fans who vote will go into the running to win an Official AFLW gameball, valued at $189.99. To vote, simply select the player you deem to be the MVP of the Week. Voting closes on Wednesday, February 26 at 5pm AEDT.