Dangerfield was clearly the players’ choice, claiming the Leigh Matthews Trophy with 1369 votes, ahead of former Adelaide Crows teammate Rory Sloane (443 votes) and Richmond’s Dustin Martin (297 votes).

Rounding out the top six was Melbourne’s Max Gawn and Adelaide Crows forward Eddie Betts in equal fourth place (238 votes), followed by Sydney Swan’s midfielder Luke Park (218 votes).

Dangerfield accepted the trophy from Leigh Matthews and dual MVP winner Nat Fyfe in front of more than 450 people at the 35th AFL Players’ MVP Awards at Melbourne’s Peninsula at Docklands.

 “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.”