David Armitage
In a breakout year for the Saints, the 27-year-old has averaged 28 disposals and five tackles per game, proving to be an integral part of the Saints’ rise up the ladder.
Modelling his game on Hawthorn’s Jordan Lewis, the bullish midfielder lost weight and worked on his fitness during the off-season. As a result, he now sits in the top 20 in the competition for both contested possessions and tackles.
Armitage’s best game came in Round 6, when he gathered an astonishing 45 disposals, laid five tackles and kicked a goal, leading the way in the Saints’ stunning comeback win against the Bulldogs, in which they overcame a 55-point deficit.
Jack Steven
After an injury-interrupted 2014, the speedster was back to his exciting best this season, a year that saw the Saints defy their critics and manage six wins.
Statistically, 2015 was similar to his breakout season two years ago, however his tackle count really placed him on the map, placing second in the AFL, behind 2014 Brownlow Medallist Matt Priddis.
The 25-year-old’s standout performance came in round eight against the Eagles, dominating with 37 disposals and 12 tackles.
Sean Dempster
The veteran Saint has provided an experienced hand in defence, playing a lock-down role while regularly beating his opponent on the rebound.
The reliable defender has had to play tall in an undersized Saints defence, performing key lock-down roles on Lance Franklin, Jeremy Cameron and Jesse Hogan.
His best performance came in round 14 in the Saints’ demolition of Essendon, where the 31-year-old gathered 28 disposals and took nine marks.
The Most Valuable Player of 2015 will be crowned at the AFL Players’ MVP Awards on Tuesday, September 15. The event will be broadcast live on Fox Footy.
Which three Swans will be nominated for the AFL Players’ MVP Award? Find out at aflplayers.com.au on Wednesday.