Reigning champ’s BOG performance as top five tightens: 2022 AFL MVP – Round 14

The third and final bye week of the season left us with only six matches for the round, but that didn't stop some of the playing teams from putting up season-best performances in another exciting round of footy.

Dion Prestia and Ollie Wines both had impressive high-possession games in their club's respective wins, while the in-form Izak Rankine ran the show in the forward line for the Suns in their massive win over the Crows. Toby Greene's seven-goal effort also polled him big votes despite the Giants' loss to the Doggies.

Each round this season, the Zero Hanger team - consisting of editor Mitch Keating, senior reporter Jack Fitzpatrick, general manager Nick Splitter, and deputy editor Ed Carmine - will vote on every game to establish our AFL MVP for 2022.

Votes will be given out on a 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 system for each game, meaning the maximum score any player can record in any game is 20.

Richmond vs Carlton

The Tigers got up the second time round against the Blues in the Round 1 rematch, winning by 15 points on the night. Dion Prestia ran the show with an impressive 33 disposals with 19 contested possessions, while teammates Liam Baker and Jayden Short weren't too far behind with 27 and 25 disposals respectively. Patrick Cripps was his usual self with a game-high 34 disposals, with Sam Docherty also impressing for the losing team with 31 disposals and nine interceptions.

St Kilda vs Essendon

The Bombers pulled off a huge upset win against the Saints, winning by a comfortable 35 points in a result very few saw coming. Mason Redman took over in the midfield for the Dons with a game-high 31 disposals and 11 marks, while Nick Hind also impressed with 25 disposals from the backline. Peter Wright continued to shine in front of goal, kicking four majors, while Dylan Shiel and Jayden Laverde also looked lively for the Dons.

Port Adelaide vs Sydney

Port proved too much for the Swans at home, getting up by a comfortable 23 points. Reigning MVP winner Ollie Wines was his usual self with a standard 34 disposals, while Todd Marshall took control of the forward line with four goals and 14 disposals. Connor Rozee was dominant with 29 disposals and a goal, while Isaac Heeney gave it his all for the Swans with four goals and 16 disposals. Callum Mills also put in a shift for the losing team with 27 disposals and a goal.

West Coast vs Geelong

The struggling Eagles put up a solid fight against the Cats, but just weren't good enough on the day, losing by 18 points at the final siren. Cameron Guthrie was dominant with 25 disposals and 11 contested possessions, while Tyson Stengle was lively with an impressive three goals and 15 disposals. Sam Menegola did it all in from the midfield with a solid 20 disposals and two goals in his return, while skipper Joel Selwood was also impressive with 24 disposals himself. Elliot Yeo also looked to be getting back to his best for the Eagles with 22 disposals and nine marks.

GWS vs Western Bulldogs

The Doggies got up by 20 points against the Giants on the night, with both teams putting up a massive fight in what was a very high-scoring game. Despite the loss, livewire Toby Greene completely took over for GWS with an incredible seven-goal haul, alongside 21 disposals and 10 contested possessions. Jack Macrae pulled the strings in the midfield for the Dogs with a game-high 37 disposals and a goal to his name, while a five-goal haul from Aaron Naughton helped get his team over the line. Captain Marcus Bontempelli looked lively with 28 disposals and a goal, while Tom Green also put in a solid effort for the Giants with 32 disposals.

Gold Coast vs Adelaide

The Suns continue to impress this season, putting on a clinic against the Crows in their 43-point victory. In-form forward Izak Rankine continued his red hot streak with an impressive 17 disposals, three goals and five marks in the forward line, while Noah Anderson continued to dominate the midfield with 28 possessions. Three goals and 20 possessions for Ben Ainsworth earned him a few votes, while Rory Laird would be feeling a little disappointed with his team after his impressive 42-disposal effort. Jordan Dawson also put in a shift for the Crows with 32 disposals and a goal.

Leaderboard

FULL 2022 ZERO HANGER MVP LEADERBOARD