GEELONG star Patrick Dangerfield has emphatically been recognised by his peers as the competition’s best player, winning the AFLPA MVP award by an incredible margin.

Dangerfield claimed his first Leigh Matthews Trophy with 1369 votes, easily clear of former teammate Rory Sloane (443 votes) in second place.

“I’m very grateful to have been awarded the Leigh Matthews Trophy,” Dangerfield said.

“To be named most valuable player by the guys I play against every week is incredibly humbling and an honour I’ll never forget.”

Finals Week 1

Dangerfield has played a pivotal role in Geelong’s journey to the preliminary finals, averaging 31.4 disposals per game and kicking 23 goals.

He is now the raging favourite to consolidate his MVP award with the Brownlow Medal in a fortnight’s time, just as reigning winner Nat Fyfe did one year ago.

LISTEN TO THE LATEST FOX FOOTY PODCAST BELOW, OR TAP HERE TO SUBSCRIBE IN ITUNES

Richmond midfielder Dustin Martin finished third in the MVP voting, while Adelaide’s Eddie Betts and Melbourne’s Max Gawn tied for fourth spot.

“In making the move from Adelaide to Geelong, Patrick has really taken his game to another level,” AFLPA chief executive Paul Marsh said.

“The AFL Players’ MVP remains the only football award decided by those who know the game best — the players. To be voted by his peers as the AFL’s most valuable player is a true testament to the skill and class Patrick brings to the game.”

The MVP is won following a two-step process, with each player nominating three teammates for the honour. The players then vote on a 3-2-1 basis as to who they believe should win the award.

AFLPA MVP VOTING

1. Patrick Dangerfield (1369 votes)

2. Rory Sloane (443)

3. Dustin Martin (297)

4. Eddie Betts (238)

4. Max Gawn (238)

6. Luke Parker (218)

7. Alex Rance (188)

8. Marcus Bontempelli (179)

9. Tom Lynch (170)

10. Josh Kennedy (West Coast — 164)