Forward-turned-defender Bailey Dale has been judged best afield by coaches Luke Beveridge and Matthew Nicks in the Bulldogs’ 49-point win over Adelaide.
The 25-year-old received the maximum 10 votes in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award, registering 31 disposals, nine intercepts, one goal and 682 metres gained.
It is the eighth time Dale has earned votes this season, but his first perfect score.
Fellow defender Caleb Daniel polled seven votes after collecting a game-high 32 possessions, five clearances and one goal, while on-baller Jack Macrae also earned seven votes for his 31 touches, 12 clearances and six inside 50s.
Bulldogs Tom Liberatore (two votes), Lachie Hunter (two votes) and Bailey Smith (one vote) were also recognised.
Captain Marcus Bontempelli currently sits in second spot on the leaderboard with 94 votes.
Western Bulldogs v Adelaide Crows
10 – Bailey Dale
7 – Caleb Daniel
7 – Jack Macrae
2 – Tom Liberatore
2 – Lachie Hunter
1 – Rory Sloane
1 – Bailey Smith
2021 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year leaderboard
101 – Clayton Oliver (MELB)
94 – Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
90 – Samuel Walsh (CARL)
89 – Ollie Wines (PORT)
85 – Touk Miller (GCFC)
79 – Jack Steele (STK)
77 – Zach Merrett (ESS)
70 – Darcy Parish (ESS)
66 – Christian Petracca (MELB)
61 – Max Gawn (MELB), Rory Laird (ADEL)
