Melbourne and Gold Coast star midfielders Clayton Oliver and Touk Miller have both been crowned 2022 AFL Coaches Association AFL Champion Player of the Year, finishing the AFL home and away season tied on 98 votes to take out the Award.
Oliver, winner of the 2021 AFL Coaches Association AFL Champion Player of the Year was once again a key contributor in the Demons 2022 successful home and away season. The league leader for possessions clearances and handballs Oliver’s 2022 season has been remarkably consistent. At just 25 years of age, Oliver is an elite midfielder who has collected three club best and fairest trophies, two all Australian blazers and looks set to continue his meteoric rise.
Oliver polled coaches votes in 17 of the 21 matches he played in season 2022 to finish with 98 votes, earning maximum coaches votes in four rounds. The most notable ten coming in Round 23 which saw him jump to equal top of the leaderboard to win the Award for the second straight season.
Miller, elevated to Gold Coast’s co-captaincy in 2022, confirmed his standing as one of the elite midfielders in the AFL competition. He was instrumental in the SUNS recording its best season in club history, with 10 wins and a percentage over 100 for the first time. Leading the charge in Gold Coast’s improved midfield, Miller played all 22 games and averaged 29 disposals, six tackles and eight clearances per game.
Miller polled coaches votes in 15 matches this season to finish with 98 votes. He polled high scores consistently across the season, with the maximum ten coaches votes in one round.
Second place has been taken out by Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale with 92 votes, while third place went to Oliver’s midfield mate Christian Petracca with 89 votes.
FULL VOTES & LEADERBOARD: 2022 AFL COACHES ASSOCIATION CHAMPION PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said it was Oliver’s consistency and desire to be great that had seen him receive the recognition again in 2022.
"Clayton’s desire to be great, teamed with an enormous will to win and his ability to perform at consistently high levels has seen him produce another unbelievable season,” Goodwin said.
“To be recognised by the coaches as their Champion Player for a second straight season, an Award I believe is the best a player can receive, is a real credit to Clayton. He is thoroughly deserving of the recognition and I couldn’t be prouder of how he goes about bringing his best for the team week in, week out.”
Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew spoke of Miller’s dedication and leadership on and off the field.
“As a football club we are proud of our Co- Captain for what he has achieved in winning this award. It’s a true measure of his influence on the outcomes of games throughout the 2022 AFL Season. He leads the way for our club in his preparation, mindset and effort and provides a great role model for those around him,” Dew said.
“It has been an absolute privilege in my time at the SUNS to get to have a front row seat to his dedication to the club and game. Touk deserves everything that comes his way.”
AFL Coaches Association CEO Alistair Nicholson congratulated Oliver and Miller on winning the Award.
“What an exciting season and result for the 2022 AFL Coaches Association Champion Player Award."
"For Clayton, taking out the Coaches Award back-to-back and producing another exceptional season following the Demons Premiership last year, is a credit to him and his commitment, talent and work ethic.
:Touk’s game went to new heights last season and he continued that in 2022 having a tremendous season leading Gold Coast on and off the field," said Nicholson.
"In our eyes this is one of the most prestigious Awards in the AFL which both Clayton and Touk should be honoured to receive as coaches have a unique view on the game and allocate their votes with care and consideration”.
The AFL Coaches Association’s AFL Champion Player Award is an award voted by the 18 coaching panels on a 5,4,3,2,1 basis after each home and away game, acknowledging outstanding effort by an individual player in a season.
Previous winners list: www.aflcoaches.com.au/awards/the-aflca-champion-player-of-the-year-award
