Tom Atkins has been recognised for his outstanding performance against the Crows on Thursday night, receiving a maximum 10 votes from the coaches. 

Producing a number of match-winning moments, Atkins finished with 23 disposals and nine clearances, while also recording eight score involvements in a display that drew high praise from Chris Scott. 

"That was a really special game, especially when the heat was on and we were being outplayed," Scott said following the win. 

"We thought that he was the one that stood up, I only say it because the high profile players always get the plaudits. He has been a really important player for us for a long time, he will be embarrassed that I said this because he doesn't want the external credit, he is that sort of guy."

Patrick Dangerfield and Bailey Smith were both awarded seven votes, recognised by the coaches for their influential impact on the final result. 

Dangerfield continued his stellar start to the 2025 season with another great display, kicking an equal game-high four goals from his 16 disposals, while also winning three clearances and laying four tackles. 

In just his fourth game for the club, Smith finished with a match-high 35 disposals while also amassing nine score involvements and six clearances. 

Max Holmes was the other Cat to receive recognition from the coaches, awarded four votes after collecting 32 disposals against the Crows. 

The emerging on-baller also laid seven tackles and won five clearances, registering six score involvements and four intercept possessions in a well-rounded performance. 

Bailey Smith remains on top of the Cats coaches votes leaderboard for the 2025 season, while also moving into the top 10 players across the entire competition. 

Patrick Dangerfield has entered the AFL's top 20 for coaches votes this year, while Max Holmes and Tom Atkins become the third and fourth Cats to reach double digit votes. 

The AFL Coaches Association’s AFL Champion Player Award is an award voted by the 18 coaching panels on a 5,4,3,2,1 basis after each home and away game, acknowledging outstanding effort by an individual player in a season. 

The Cats play their next three games at the MCG with 80,000+ expected for their home game against the Hawks on Easter Monday! 

The best way to secure your seat is with a Melbourne Flexi Membership and attend any Cats Melbourne with a bundle of General Admission tickets, with 2-ticket packages for just $49. Head to membership.geelongcats.com.au today!

Gather Round Coaches Votes | Adelaide v Geelong

Geelong Cats 2025 Coaches Votes Leaderboard