AFL: Andrew Brayshaw is crowned MVP as All-Australian team is named

Andrew Brayshaw has been named the 2022 players’ champion, becoming the youngest player since Nick Riewoldt to win the AFL Players’ Association Most Valuable Player. 

The 22-year-old was awarded the Leigh Matthews Trophy as the AFL Players’ MVP following an outstanding campaign for the Dockers, finishing ahead of Clayton Oliver and Shai Bolton.

Brownlow Medalist Lachie Neale (fourth place) and Coleman Medallist Jeremy Cameron (fifth place) completed the top five.

‘It’s really humbling,’ he said when interviewed by Patrick Dangerfield. ‘When I was told I had won this award I was in shock. It’s an honour. I’m really happy. 

‘My goal is always to improve. Once you get into the AFL nobody cares how old you are. I’ve been really lucky to surround myself with really hard workers. 

‘Growing up with three older brothers, Clayton Oliver lived with us for a little bit and then I moved into a house with Nat Fyfe, Lachie Neale, just to name a few, so I’ve been really blessed with the people I’ve been living up around and I think that put me in good stead.’

Elsewhere, Richmond’s Liam Baker won he Robert Rose Most Courageous Award while Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury picked up the Best Captain prize for the second time in his illustrious career.  

The 44-man shortlist for the All-Australian team of the year was also announced, with three Carlton stars named despite the Blues missing out on finals this year.

Their last gasp defeat by Collingwood on Sunday saw Michael Voss’ side lose out to Western Bulldogs in the battle for eighth spot. Nevertheless, Patrick Cripps, Charlie Curnow and Adam Saad were all named in the eighteen. 

More to follow.