Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe was elevated into esteemed company when he won his second AFL Players Association Most Valuable Player award on Tuesday night.

At just 23 years old, Fyfe joined greats of the game Wayne Carey, Michael Voss, Greg Williams, Chris Judd and Gary Ablett in becoming a multiple winner of the Leigh Matthews Trophy.

Only Ablett and Voss managed the feat in successive years as Fyfe did in resounding fashion, polling 1455 votes from his fellow AFL players ahead of North Melbourne’s Todd Goldstein in second with 578 votes.

Adelaide’s Patrick Dangerfield and West Coast pair Matt Priddis and Josh Kennedy rounded out the top five.

“It’s such an honour to have been awarded the Leigh Matthews Trophy two years in a row,” Fyfe said from Perth, where Dockers and West Coast players gathered to watch the telecast.

“Having the respect of your peers is one of the highest accolades we can hope to achieve as players.

“I’m truly humbled.

“I was almost a little bit embarrassed to win it last year when I looked at all the big names, but feel a bit more comfortable now.

“It’s just great to be able to win it over two years because I operate under a model of improvement – I just want to keep getting better – so it’s nice to be able to back up.”

Fyfe’s captain and AFLPA president Matthew Pavlich praised his teammate’s impeccable work ethic and desire to keep improving.

“From day one this season it was clear that Nat’s outstanding form was continuing on from last year and that he was more than willing to work hard to keep growing and improving his game,” Pavlich said.

“To be voted Most Valuable Player by his peers … two years in a row is a true testament to the dedication and skill that he brings to the game.”

Western Bulldogs skipper Bob Murphy was voted the competition’s best captain, with Sydney’s Isaac Heeney the best first-year player and teammate Luke Parker taking out the most courageous player award.
Bulldogs star Jake Stringer was named captain of the best 22 under 22 team – a side of the best players aged under 22 as voted by the public.

Greater Western Sydney had the strongest representation in the all-star line-up with four players – Adam Treloar, Jeremy Cameron, Devon Smith and Dylan Shiel – making the side.

– AAP