It often provides a different perspective from the Merrett-Murray Medal (which is voted on by the Lions Match Committee), Brownlow Medal (which is voted by the AFL umpires) and even the AFLPA MVP award (which is voted on by the AFL players themselves).
In 2011, midfield superstar Simon Black clearly made the biggest impression on Lions members after being a tearaway winner of the honour.
Black polled a remarkable 927 votes - which was almost 400 more than second placed Matthew Leuenberger (529) - while Jack Redden was a close third with 513 votes.
2011 Club Champion Tom Rockliff (483) and Daniel Rich (232) rounded out the members’ top five.
The Members’ Player of the Year Award was introduced in 2006 and, not surprisingly, has been shared between fan favourites Black (winner in 2006, 2007 and 2011), Jonathan Brown (2009, 2010) and Luke Power (2008) throughout its six-year existence.
Black becomes the first ever three-time winner after earning a near record amount of online votes from members.
The award was presented on the night by Lions member Megan Waite, who voted for the eventual winner more times than any other member to receive the privilege of presenting the trophy.
Megan not only received two tickets to the Club Champion event for her efforts, but will also receive a signed and framed photo taken of herself and Black from the evening.
Black said he was proud to receive such an honour.
“A big thank you to all our members, you guys are obviously the heartbeat and lifeblood of this Club,” Black said.
“But we hope that you all stick with us, because some more wins aren’t far away.”
