Maximum effort lifts Shaw to top of MVP board

SOUTHPORT midfielder Matt Shaw has jumped to the top of the NEAFL MVP leaderboard after polling maximum votes in the Sharks’ thrilling victory over Aspley.

Shaw collected 27 disposals, 12 marks, five inside 50s, six rebound 50s and booted two goals as Southport broke a seven-year hoodoo at Voxson Oval with an eight-point win on Saturday.

The former Gold Coast and Carlton AFL utility leads the race by one vote over Sydney draftee James Rowbottom, who was the only other player to attract 10 votes in Round 2.

The NEAFL award is presented to the player uniquely judged the best in the competition by a combination of umpire and coaches votes.

The votes are submitted post-game and are cast on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis.

The maximum amount of votes a single player can earn in a match is 10, courtesy of the maximum five votes from both umpires and coaches.