Reigning Club Champion Jamie Stanton and club debutant Sarah Perkins have both polled AFL Coaches’ Association votes from the Round 1 match against Melbourne at Metricon Stadium.

Stanton was a standout from the outset, kicking the first goal of the match within 30 seconds and finishing the day with a team-high 18 disposals and 334 metres gained, earning her seven coaches votes in the process.

Perkins looked at home in the forward line for her new club and displayed outstanding field kicking, finishing with three votes from the coaches as a reward for her efforts in her club debut.

For Melbourne it was Karen Paxman who earnt the lion’s share of the votes with nine for the match, followed by Lily Mithen (six), Tyla Hanks (three) and Tegan Cunningham (two).

The AFL Coaches Association AFLW Champion Player of the Year is an award voted by the AFLW senior coaches on a 5,4,3,2,1 basis after each home and away game, acknowledging outstanding effort to an individual player in a season.

RD1 AFLCA Votes: Gold Coast v Melbourne:

9 - Karen Paxman (MELB)

7 - Jamie Stanton (GCFC)

6 - Lily Mithen (MELB)

3 - Tyla Hanks (MELB)

3 - Sarah Perkins (GCFC)

2 - Tegan Cunningham (MELB)