Midfield stars Amy McDonald and Georgie Prespakis topped the coaches' votes for Geelong's Round 1 game against Richmond.

The pair received eight votes apiece, with Nina Morrison (four votes) and Meghan McDonald (two) the other Cats players to feature in the voting.

Each match during the home and away season, AFLW senior coaches award votes on a 5,4,3,2,1 basis to the players they deem to have performed best in the game.

Two-time Cats best and fairest Amy McDonald had 24 disposals, seven tackles, seven intercepts, six clearances, five marks and three inside 50s as she continued to build on her stellar form from the past two seasons.

Prespakis kicked her first two AFLW goals in the game, including the match-winner in the final minute of the contest.

The 19-year-old also collected 16 disposals, laid eight tackles and made her presence felt around the contest, whether with ball in hand or applying pressure.

Cats vice-captain Morrison was right at the coal face alongside Prespakis and McDonald, with an influential 24 disposals, seven tackles, four clearances and six intercepts.

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Moments of the Match AFLW Highlights | Round 1

Watch some of the key moments from Geelong's narrow win over the Tigers in Round 1

Two-time All-Australian defender Meghan McDonald was her usual reliable self in the back 50, and won some crucial one-on-ones in the third term, showing dare and poise to repel the Tigers and launch Cats attacks from defence.

AFLCA AFLW Champion Player of the Year Votes Round 1

Geelong v Richmond
8 - Amy McDonald (Geel)
8 - Georgie Prespakis (Geel)
6 - Eilish Sheerin (Rich)
4 - Nina Morrison (Geel)
2 - Meghan McDonald (Geel)
1 - Sarah Hosking (Rich)
1 - Monique Conti (Rich)