Gary Ablett has been voted by his peers as the AFL’s most valuable player. Ablett won his second consecutive AFL players’ association Leigh Matthews trophy as MVP.

Ablett secured 1044 votes, on the 3-2-1 basis. Lance Franklin finished second (718 votes), Brent Harvey third (440), Matthew Richardson fourth (148) and Chris Judd (140) finishing in the top five. Joel Selwood backed up his Best First Year Player award from 2007 finishing sixth in the most valuable category with 109 votes.

The Geelong champion joins Greg Williams, Wayne Carey and Michael Voss as a two time MVP winner and walks away with the prestigious Leigh Matthew’s Trophy. The award recognizes versatility, skill, leadership, the ability to play under pressure and respect for teammates and the opposition.

"This is a massive honour as it is voted on by my peers. It means a huge amount to me that the players that I play against each week have voted for me and it is very humbling to win this award.

“While this is an individual award, there is no way that I could be in this position without my team mates and the coaches at Geelong and I want to thank them for everything they have done for me, not only this season but over my time with the club," Ablett said.

Despite missing four games in the home and away season due to injury, Ablett tallied impressive season statistics with 503 disposals, 84 marks and an average of just under five tackles a game with a total of 86 tackles for the home and away season.

Tom Harley was named as best captain, adding to his well deserved accolades since taking the mantle last year.

In other awards, Harry Taylor came in fifth in best first year player voting behind winner Rhys Palmer and Selwood was third in most courageous award that was won by Jonathon Brown.