Defenders Ben McKay and Jack Ziebell were two of five players in Sunday's clash with St Kilda to poll AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award votes.

On a night that saw both sides struggle to kick majors, key back McKay was ever-present for the Kangaroos, collecting 15 disposals, 10 marks and 10 intercepts to earn seven votes.

The 25-year-old missed the first four rounds of 2023, but is now working his way back to the type of form that saw him gain League-wide praise over the past two years.

08:31

AFL R8 match highlights: North Melbourne v St Kilda

The Kangaroos and Saints clash in Round 8

North Melbourne and St Kilda senior coaches Alastair Clarkson and Ross Lyon awarded veteran Ziebell with three votes after his impressive individual performance.

The former club captain posted 36 disposals, 18 marks and nine rebound 50s in the 30-point loss, all of which were game-highs.

Callum Wilkie received 10 votes for the visitors, while Brad Hill and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera were awarded five apiece.

North Melbourne v St Kilda

10 Callum Wilkie (STK)
7 Ben McKay (NMFC)
5 Brad Hill (STK)
5 Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (STK)
3 Jack Ziebell (NMFC)

North Melbourne leaderboard

21 Luke Davies-Uniacke
12 Harry Sheezel
11 Nick Larkey
7 Ben McKay
4 Jy Simpkin
4 Jack Ziebell
2 Cameron Zurhaar
1 Charlie Comben

AFL leaderboard

45 Nick Daicos (COLL)
43 Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
36 Clayton Oliver (MELB)
34 Jeremy Cameron (GEEL)
34 Callum Wilkie (STK)