Utility Sam Dwyer and defender Marley Williams were recognised for their impressive performances in a loss with two votes apiece, as a host of Suns players featured heavily, led by captain Ablett, who was unanimously adjudged best on ground following his 49 possession display.
With 31 disposals, including 18 to half time, Dwyer once again laid his claim to best first year player honours at the Magpies, swimming against the tide with relative ease as his remarkable composure and seemingly innate evasive ability saw him amass four clearances and produce two goal assists, in addition to slotting home a major of his own.
Averaging over 18 possessions a game this season, Dwyer’s near seamless transition from VFL football has seen him firmly cement his place within Collingwood’s best 22, capitalising on his rookie list elevation on the eve of round one.
Meanwhile, Williams has filled the considerable void left by the absence of Alan Toovey in accomplished fashion, with his increasingly assured performances earning plaudits from the Collingwood coaching staff.
Whilst overlooked for a rising star nomination thus far, in averaging nearly 16 possessions and three tackles per game, the unassuming Williams has certainly rewarded the Magpies for their decision to elevate him from its rookie list at the end of last season.
Having failed to garner a vote against the Suns, midfielder Scott Pendlebury has slipped to fourth on the AFLCA leader board, while fellow on-ball gun Dane Swan has dropped out of the top 10 as Sydney’s Daniel Hannebery and Kieran Jack take up the challenge to Ablett.
Gold Coast v Collingwood - Round 17
| Votes | Player | Club |
| 10 | Gary Ablett | Gold Coast |
| 7 | Jaeger O'Meara | Gold Coast |
| 4 | Tom Nicholls | Gold Coast |
| 3 | Jarrod Harbrow | Gold Coast |
| 2 | Sam Dwyer | Collingwood |
| 2 | Marley Williams | Collingwood |
| 1 | Trent McKenzie | Gold Coast |
| 1 | Rory Thompson | Gold Coast |
Collingwood Leaderboard for the 2013 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award (after 17 rounds)
| Votes | Player |
| 64 | Scott Pendlebury |
| 47 | Dane Swan |
| 31 | Travis Cloke |
| 23 | Steele Sidebottom |
| 20 | Heath Shaw |
| 17 | Harry O'Brien |
| 12 | Sam Dwyer |
| 10 | Luke Ball |
| 10 | Jamie Elliott |
| 9 | Paul Seedsman |
| 7 | Dale Thomas |
| 4 | Jarryd Blair |
| 4 | Quinten Lynch |
| 4 | Brent Macaffer |
| 3 | Nathan Brown |
| 3 | Ben Reid |
| 3 | Ben Sinclair |
| 2 | Ben Kennedy |
| 2 | Marley Williams |
| 1 | Ben Hudson |
| 1 | Darren Jolly |
| 1 | Andrew Krakouer |
| 1 | Kyle Martin |
| 1 | Alan Toovey |
Overall 2013 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award Leaderboard (after 17 rounds)
| Votes | Player | Club |
| 85 | Gary Ablett | Gold Coast |
| 70 | Daniel Hannebery | Sydney |
| 70 | Kieren Jack | Sydney |
| 64 | Scott Pendlebury | Collingwood |
| 61 | Joel Selwood | Geelong |
| 57 | Patrick Dangerfield | Adelaide |
| 57 | Ryan Griffen | Western Bulldogs |
| 55 | Jarrad McVeigh | Sydney |
| 54 | Jobe Watson | Essendon |
| 51 | Pearce Hanley | Brisbane |
