Star Demon, Lion close gap on top three: 2022 AFL MVP – Round 21

A relatively quiet weekend from the current top three in Touk Miller, Andrew Brayshaw and Patrick Cripps has allowed two other stars to close the gap to the top of the MVP leaderboard.

With just two rounds of home and away football remaining, just nine votes separate the current top five players as the race to the MVP title heats up.

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

Melbourne Demons vs Collingwood Magpies

Max Gawn and Clayton Oliver split the votes in Melbourne's narrow loss to Collingwood on Friday night. Jordan De Goey impressed for the Pies, while Jamie Elliott registered plenty of votes as he continues his impressive season. Recently re-signed Ash Johnson also picked up four votes for his four-goal effort.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Gold Coast Suns

Jack Gunston was awarded the unanimous BOG votes for his 14-disposal, 5-goal effort against Gold Coast. Former Sun-turned Hawk Jaeger O'Meara also featured in the votes after he finished the day with 20 touches and eight clearances, while David Swallow flew the flag for the Suns, registering 13 votes.

GWS Giants vs Essendon Bombers

Lachie Whitfield earned 19 of a possible 20 votes for his best on ground performance against Essendon on Saturday, ending the afternoon with a game-high 29 disposals to his name. Forward Jesse Hogan also starred with four goals, while Darcy Parish featured in the votes for the Bombers.

Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers

Luke Ryan earned perfect votes for his standout performance against the Bulldogs, collecting 32 disposals in the 17-point win. Bulldog Josh Dunkley also earned plenty of praise for his 33 touches and six clearances, while Rory Lobb's four goal haul saw him collect 12 votes.

Geelong Cats vs St Kilda Saints

The Cats dominated the Saints and the votes this weekend, with Brandan Parfitt, Isaac Smith and Sam De Koning staring on Saturday night to share votes at the top of the table. Sam Menegola earned plenty, while young Max Holmes impressed.

Port Adelaide Power vs Richmond Tigers

Toby Nankervis got plenty of recognition for his impressive performance against Port Adelaide, earning 19 of a possible 20 votes. Dion Prestia continued his stellar season with 32 disposals and 476 metres gained for the match, while Shai Bolton strengthened his hold on a top ten spot with 16 votes.

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Sydney Swans

Nick Larkey earned full votes for his dominant performance up forward for the Kangaroos, kicking seven goals in a 38-point loss. Chad Warner continued his stellar 2022 campaign with a 20 disposal, three-goal effort, while Isaac Heeney also earned votes for the Swans.

Brisbane Lions vs Carlton Blues

The Lions dominated the votes after their strong performance against Carlton, with Lachie Neale earning BOG honours for his impressive display. Zac Bailey earned big votes for his four-goal effort up forward, while big man Oscar McInerney dominated in the ruck.

West Coast Eagles vs Adelaide Crows

Josh Kennedy dominated one last time in his farewell game, kicking 8.2 and taking eight marks. The other milestone man Rory Laird impressed too, ending the trip to Perth with 36 disposals, five tackles and ten clearances, bringing him to eighth place in the overall standings.

LEADERBOARD

FULL 2022 ZERO HANGER MVP LEADERBOARD