Nick Riewoldt wins AFLPA MVP

17 Sep 2004 - Jason Murnane

Nick Riewoldt has been voted by his peers as the league’s “Most Valuable Player”. 

Riewoldt, pictured at right with AFLPA Vice-President Nathan Buckley, won the Leigh Matthews trophy at the AFL Players’ Association MVP Awards at Melbourne’s Park Hyatt (Friday, 24 September 2004, televised live by FOX Footy Channel at 8.30pm EST).

The MVP award recognises versatility, the ability to play under pressure, skill and courage, leadership, respect for all players and value to a team.  

Riewoldt received 118 votes, ahead of Chris Judd on 115, followed by Warren Tredrea and Nigel Lappin.  A total of 583 players voted for this year’s Awards.

Riewoldt’s 2004 season included taking a league high 226 marks and kicking 60 goals.

Michael Voss, winner of last years MVP, was adjudged Best Captain for the fourth consecutive year, ahead of James Hird and Mark Ricciuto.   

Two other awards, also determined by the players, were announced. 

Carlton’s David Teague won the Robert Rose Most Courageous player award, while Melbourne’s Aaron Davey won Best First Year Player.

In his first year with the Blues, Teague was viewed as the competition’s Most Courageous player, followed by the Kangaroos Leigh Colbert.  

The Demon’s Aaron Davey enjoyed an excellent debut, coming off the rookie list to head an impressive field of first-year players.  Sydney’s Paul Bevan finished second.

In other presentations, Daniel Wells won the Marn Grook Award, for the best emerging indigenous player, following on from winning the best first year player award in 2003.  

 Michael Wilson was awarded the Education and Training Excellence honour, sponsored by Computer Power.

Wilson has previously completed a Bachelor of Science Degree, and is currently a second year Bachelor of Physiotherapy student at the University of South Australia.  On

the Dean’s Merit List for honours in 2002 and 2003, Michael received the Golden Key International Honour Society award for scholastic achievement and excellence in 2003. 

Michael has displayed remarkable dedication to his studies and football career, having undergone two knee reconstructions during his time with Port Adelaide.  

Michael Davis of The Australian won the Grant Hattam Trophy for the best piece of football journalism from a player’s perspective.  

His profile of James Hird, entitled, “His Fragile Brilliance”, impressed the judges with its quality of writing.  Looking at Hird’s infamous run with injury and his ability to bounce back, Davis artfully wrote of the qualities that make James Hird a stand out figure, such as leadership, strong work ethic and his relationship with family and team. 

Leigh Matthews Trophy for the Most Valuable Player Award

Top Five

Nick Riewoldt                                                       118

Chris Judd                                                           115

Warren Tredrea                                                   67

Nigel Lappin                                                        51

James Hird                                                           29                                          

Most Courageous Player Award – Proudly sponsored by Pacific Internet 

Top Five

David Teague                                                       146

Leigh Colbert                                                       103

Michael Voss                                                        76

James Hird                                                           67

Brett Voss/Leo Barry                                           39

Best Captain Award – Proudly sponsored by Integrated Group

Top Five

Michael Voss                                                        237

James Hird                                                           126

Mark Ricciuto                                                        66

Lenny Hayes                                                        23

Stuart Maxfield                                                      20

Best First Year Player Award – Proudly sponsored by PKF Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors

Top Five

Aaron  Davey                                                        303

Paul Bevan                                                           66

Brett Ebert                                                             47

Adam Cooney                                                      34

Matthew Ball                                                         26