Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith has leaped into the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year top five, following his impressive performance on Good Friday against North Melbourne.

Smith earned eight votes from coaches Luke Beveridge and David Noble, after collecting a game-high and career-best 43 disposals, seven inside 50s and 646 metres gained in the 68-point SuperClash win at Marvel Stadium.  

It puts him in fourth spot overall and just five votes behind current leader in Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw (29), having played one less game after missing round two against Carlton.

Aaron Naughton received nine votes for his five-goal haul, with fellow five-goal forward Cody Weightman polling seven votes.

Tim English (three votes), Caleb Daniel (two votes) and Jack Macrae (one vote) completed a Bulldogs’ clean sweep.

Round 5 votes – North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs

9 – Aaron Naughton (WB)

8 – Bailey Smith (WB)

7 – Cody Weightman (WB)

3 – Tim English (WB)

2 – Caleb Daniel (WB)

1 – Jack Macrae (WB)

2022 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year – Top 5

1^st Andrew Brayshaw – 29 (FRE)

2^nd Christian Petracca - 26 (MELB)

3^rd Patrick Cripps – 25 (CARL)

4^th Bailey Smith - 24 (WB)

= 5^th Jordan De Goey - 22 (COLL)

= 5^th Lachie Neale - 22 (BRIS)