The nominees for the inaugural AFLW Players’ Most Valuable Player Award have been revealed.

The AFL Players Association has recognised Midfielder Emily Bates, Captain Emma Zielke and Defender Samantha Virgo as the Brisbane Lions player-voted nominees for the 2017 MVP Award

Consistent with the process to crown the Leigh Matthews Trophy winner, the AFL PA’s female members vote to decide the player worthiest of the Award throughout the 2017 season.

AFL Player’s Association CEO Paul Marsh, highlighted the importance of recognising the outstanding efforts the players put forth in the inaugural season.

“There was never any doubt that we would provide the same opportunity for our female members to be honoured with a set of player-voted awards.” Said Marsh.

“PA is proud to provide a platform for its female members to recognise who they believe are the outstanding performers in 2017.”

AFL Women's athletes also had the opportunity to be nominated for Player’s Most Courageous Award with Lion’s Midfielder Brittany Gibson honoured by a nomination. Lions Captain Emma Zielke has also been nominated for her second award as Best Captain.

All AFL Women's Players are eligible for the Education and Development Award for those pursuing study away from the field. These nominations will be made by Club Player Development Managers and the winner decided through a selection panel.

All players nominated for the honourable awards will be recognised at a dedicated event on Monday 27th March 2017.  The Award winners will also join their male counterparts at the AFL Players’ MVP Awards in September 2017

Other Awards: Vote below!