Ben Cunnington has shot to the top of the North Melbourne leaderboard in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award.

Cunnington received nine votes from Adam Simpson and Brad Scott for his performance on Sunday at Patersons Stadium. He had a season-high 33 disposals – only one off his career-best of 34, set late in 2013 against Melbourne.

Up to this point, the number 10 has only polled three Brownlow Medal votes. It’s a safe assumption this performance will have gone a long way towards adding to that number.

Alongside him with nine votes was Nick Dal Santo. Spending more time off half-back than normal, the silky smooth left-footer was allowed to do as he pleased.

Dal Santo had a game-high 34 possessions - the fourth time he’s amassed more than 30 in his 10 games for the Kangaroos. In addition to his disposal count, he also had seven rebound 50’s to set up plenty of opportunities for his team.

Levi Greenwood continued his stellar comeback season with three votes from the men in charge. He was the third of the Roos to collect 30+ disposals. He also had six score involvements and six inside 50’s.

Playing in his customary high half-forward role, Leigh Adams was awarded two votes for 21 possessions, 8 tackles and 2 goals.

Adams’ goals came at important times early in the first and third quarters, with the game still very much in the balance.

Ryan Bastinac built on his substitute appearance last week and returned to form in a full game. His 27 disposals earned him two votes while Scott Thompson’s job on Josh Kennedy gave the key-defender one vote.

Round 11: West Coast v North Melbourne

9 – Ben Cunnington (NM)
9 – Nick Dal Santo (NM)
4 – Matt Priddis (WCE)
3 – Levi Greenwood (NM)
2 – Leigh Adams (NM)
2 – Ryan Bastinac (NM)
1 – Scott Thompson (NM)

NMFC leaderboard

33 – Ben Cunnington
30 – Brent Harvey
20 – Nick Dal Santo
20 – Scott Thompson
17 – Sam Gibson
16 – Levi Greenwood
7 – Leigh Adams
6 – Lindsay Thomas
4 – Ryan Bastinac
3 – Lachlan Hansen
2 – Daniel Wells
2 – Todd Goldstein
1 – Shaun Atley