Heath Shaw, Callan Ward and Shane Mumford have been voted by their teammates as the GIANTS’ nominees for the AFL Players’ MVP Award for 2015.
The Leigh Matthews Trophy is an annual award given by the AFL Players Association to the Most Valuable Player in the League. It is the only award voted for solely by the players.
Each team votes for three players from their own club to be their nominees before every player is asked to vote for one MVP from the list, excluding players from their own club.
The player judged the most valuable by their peers will be recognised at the AFL Players’ MVP Awards, to be held on Tuesday, September 15.
GIANTS players have chosen co-captain Callan Ward, vice-captain Heath Shaw and influential ruckman Shane Mumford as their nominees.
Shaw is arguably having a career-best season in 2015, averaging a career-high 24 disposals and seven rebound 50s per game.
The 29-year-old is leading the competition for rebound 50s and running bounces and has become an integral part of the GIANTS’ line-up, adding valuable experience as one of the club’s leaders.
2015 could be the year the dashing defender is awarded his first All-Australian blazer.
Ward continued his warrior-like approach in 2015, averaging a career-high 25 disposals, five tackles and six clearances.
The bumps and bruises haven’t stopped the 25-year-old from featuring in every game so far this season, with 32 disposals, 12 tackles, 10 clearances and a goal against Brisbane in round 10 a highlight for the co-skipper.
Last year’s best and fairest winner looked set to repeat his 2014 efforts before an ankle reconstruction ended Shane Mumford’s season.
Despite playing just 11 games, the bullocking ruckman has been nominated after averaging more than six tackles and three clearances a game and was the barometer for the young GIANTS’ performances.
A fan favourite, the 29-year-old has been an important battering ram around stoppages for the developing side.
The AFL Players’ MVP will be awarded on September 15. Remember you can also still vote for your favourite GIANTS in AFLPA’s 22 under 22 team, which will also be announced on the night.
Click here for more on the GIANTS' nominees in the 22under22 squad
