A standout performance in round nine has seen Jacob Hopper climb up the Carey-Bunton Medal leaderboard.
The new medal recognises the best performing players from New South Wales in the AFL based on the AFL Coaches Association votes.
The votes of the AFL coaches is highly respected and will provide a credible and valid voting system to determine the winner. Each coach votes on a 5,4,3,2,1 basis after each home and away game and the votes are aggregated.
Hopper, who grew up in Leeton, received nine votes for his performance against the Suns which saw the 23-year old gather 27 possessions and kick his first goal of the season.
Narrandera product Zac Williams claimed five votes in his first game back from a hamstring injury while Harry Himmelberg was also recognised for his performance.
Suns ruckman Jarrod Witts remains the clear leader heading into round 10.
The GIANTS play Essendon this Friday night at Metricon Stadium.
VOTES ROUND 9
1 Jarrod Witts (GCC) 27
2 Isaac Heeney (SYD) 19
3 Harry Perryman (GWS) 18
4 Dane Rampe (SYD) 16
5 Tom Hawkins (GEEL) 12
6 Jacob Hopper11 (GWS v GCS 9 votes)
7 Callum Mills (SS) 10
8 Isaac Smith (HAW) 9 (HAW v CARL 1 vote)
9 Derek Eggmolesse-Smith (RICH) 8
9 Dougal Howard (ST K) 8
11 Zac Williams 5 (GWS v GCS 5 votes)
12 Jacob Townsend (ESS) 4
12 Matthew Kennedy 4
14 Luke Breust (HAW) 3
14 Jeremy Finlayson (GWS) 3
16 Todd Marshall (PA) 2
16 Michael Gibbons (CARL) 2
16 Harry Himmelberg (GWS) 2 (GWS v GCS 1 vote)
