The results are getting closer, the top eight is getting tighter and the race to September is on. For their standout performances for their respective sides, Nick Daicos, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Chad Warner have been nominated for the AFLPA’s MVP of the Month award, proudly presented by Snaffle.
Nick Daicos
In recent weeks the conversation has shifted from questioning who will win this year’s Rising Star, to whether Nick Daicos just might be piecing together one of the best debut seasons we’ve ever seen.
Predominantly used across half-back, Daicos’ classy ball use has become a weapon for Collingwood, with his precise foot skills and elite decision-making belying his 19 years.
While his last month has been outstanding, it’s hard to ignore his colossal Round 18 performance, boasting 40 disposals (at 82 per cent efficiency), 10 intercept possessions, 747 metres gained and just to highlight his versatility – three goals.
Luke Davies-Uniacke
In a rollercoaster season for North Melbourne, Luke Davies-Uniacke has provided a shining light and a glimpse to the future – stamping his name on the competition on his way to the upper echelons of the league’s midfielders. He’s been the bull that the Kangaroos have needed and has stuffed the stat sheet over the last month, averaging 31.8 disposals, 7.3 clearances, 13.5 contested possessions and 6.8 tackles.
He pieced together his career-best performance a fortnight ago, helping his side take it up to the now top-four Pies, with 33 disposals, 14 inside 50s, 12 clearances and 11 tackles, to go along with 791 metres gained and eight score involvements.
Chad Warner
Once known as the man who kicked it to Buddy, Chad Warner is carving out a name for himself as a Sydney fan favourite.
Looking to the numbers, the young Swan is ranked elite in goals, assists and score involvements, with Melbourne’s Christian Petracca and Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli, the only others hitting those ranks.
His past month has been impressive, topping the coaches votes the past three weeks with 8 votes in Round 16, 9 votes in Round 17 and the full 10 votes in his side’s Round 18 victory over Fremantle – where the powerful onballer finished with a career-best 35 disposals, seven clearances, six inside 50s and a goal.