THERE WAS a familiar feel to the AFL coaches’ votes for Round 16.
On the back of Carlton’s sixth consecutive victory against West Coast, the nature of the Blues’ win was reflected in the votes by the respective senior coaches.
The midfield dominance for the Blues stood out, on a day where the home side had +144 disposals, +14 clearances and +13 tackles in front of over 41,000 people at Marvel Stadium.
Leading the way were the long-term ‘Batman and Robin’ of Carlton, with the captain and vice captain continuing their exceptional form.
Patrick Cripps recorded nine votes for a performance which yielded 31 disposals, nine clearances and a goal, climbing into the top 10 of the award.
Not far behind him was the eight-vote Sam Walsh, with a team-high 33 disposals - 30 of those effective.
Spending more time in the middle in recent weeks, Ben Ainsworth (seven votes) had his best performance in Navy Blue with 28 disposals, recording a goal and three direct goal assists from eight inside 50s.
Polling coaches’ votes for the third straight week, George Hewett kicked two first-quarter goals to go with 26 disposals, while Lachie Cowan continued his exceptional form behind the ball to receive a solitary vote.
AFLCA votes for Round 16:
9 - Patrick Cripps (CARL)
8 - Sam Walsh (CARL)
7 - Ben Ainsworth (CARL)
4 - George Hewett (CARL)
1 - Lachie Cowan (CARL)
1 - Harley Reid (WCE)
