Collingwoodfc.com.au conducted its annual mid-season player survey, with the players answering 10 questions anonymously.

Supporters also had the opportunity to take part, with more than 1,000 questionnaires completed.

The results will be published exclusively on Collingwoodfc.com.au.

Collingwood’s players believe Dale Thomas is in line to win his first Copeland Trophy after a stellar performance in the opening half of the 2011 season.

Thomas was the outstanding favourite among the playing group by more than twice that of next-best placed Magpie, Scott Pendlebury.

Thomas, who finished third in the 2010 Copeland Trophy, is averaging career high numbers in disposals (25.7), contested possessions (8.7), marks (6.3), inside 50s (4.4), tackles (3.9) and clearances (3.3).

The 22-year-old has booted two goals in three matches this season and has had 30 or more possessions in his last two games.

Polling at less than five per cent but also mentioned were Heath Shaw and Travis Cloke.

Surprisingly, three-time reigning Copeland Trophy medalist Dane Swan, who is leading the side in total clearances and ranks in the top three for disposals, inside 50s and goals, did not receive a mention from the playing group.

Also in line for his first best and fairest is Scott Pendlebury, who received 23 per cent of votes from the playing group.  The vice-captain is enjoying a fine start to the season averaging 28.2 disposals, 5.1 marks, 1.0 goals, 6.1 tackles and 5.5 clearances which are all career highs.

On the supporter front, 34 per cent believed Thomas is leading the Copeland Trophy after 13 rounds, while Pendlebury garnered 27 per cent of the vote. 

2007 Copeland winner Travis Cloke was included in 10 per cent of responses, while Shaw (nine per cent) and Swan (eight per cent) were also in the mix.

The big surprise packet of the 2011 season has to be the form of Leon Davis with the former forward turn defender earning the praise of seven per cent of the Magpie Army.

Stay tuned to Collingwoodfc.com.au for the player survey results of the best win, toughest moment and best one-on-one match up in the first half of the 2011 season.