A match-winning performance by Essendon midfielder Brendon Goddard has been recognised by the coaches as he was awarded the top votes for the round-22 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award.

The 29-year-old proved to be the difference against the Gold Coast Suns, racking up 28 disposals and booting three goals, including winding back the clock and taking a huge third-quarter screamer reminiscent to that of the 2010 Grand Final.

Mark Thompson and Guy McKenna commended Goddard’s efforts with nine votes, whilst also adjudging Essendon swingman Michael Hurley and ruckman Paddy Ryder to have significant influence on the match, given five and four votes respectively.

Hurley was shifted into attack for the Bombers during a crucial period after a dominating down back for most the match. The move proved a success as the 24-year-old ended up with 27 touches and two telling goals.

While Ryder continued his huge season in the ruck, as he amassed 90% of the total team hitouts as well as pushing forward kicking two goals.

View the remaining votes for the clash against the Suns below, as well as the round-22 leader board after Robbie Gray wrapped up the award after accumulating an unattainable lead last weekend.

Round 22 votes- Essendon vs. Gold Coast

9- Brendon Goddard (Essendon)

5- Michael Hurley (Essendon)

4- Paddy Ryder (Essendon)

4- Dion Prestia (Gold Coast)

4- David Swallow (Gold Coast)

3- Tom Lynch (Gold Coast)

1- David Zaharakis (Essendon)

AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Leader Board- Round 22

102- Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide)

95- Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle)

83- Josh Kennedy (Sydney)

80- Lance Franklin (Sydney)

72- Gary Ablett (Gold Coast)

72- Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)

72- Matthew Priddis (West Coast)

68- Dyson Heppell (Essendon)

65- Luke Parker (Sydney)

64- Joel Selwood (Geelong)