North Melbourne fell just short against Sydney on Saturday but there was some consolation with Andrew Swallow and Scott Thompson rewarded for their outstanding games.

Tadhg Kennelly received top honours with seven votes in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year, but John Longmire and Brad Scott had the Kangaroo pair second in line as best-on-ground performers.

Swallow has been in career best form in recent weeks and his 28 possession, nine tackle effort saw him awarded votes for the fifth time this season.

Adam Goodes is a daunting opponent for any defender, but Thompson handled the challenge brilliantly and kept the two-time Brownlow Medal winner quiet while providing plenty of rebound from the back.

The number 16 had the crowd on its feet with two rare goals for the highlight reel in the second term.

Daniel Wells continues to creep up the leaderboard after he racked up 26 possessions and booted one of the goals of the year.

North Melbourne vs Sydney
7 Kennelly (Syd)
6 Swallow (NM)
6 Thompson (NM)
5 Wells (NM)
4 Grundy (Syd)
2 Shaw (Syd)