In a major accolade for one of the AFL’s standout performers, Collingwood Football Club captain Darcy Moore has been officially announced as a finalist for the 2025 Leigh Matthews Trophy, awarded to the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) by the AFL Players Association.
The Leigh Matthews Trophy is one of the most prestigious individual honours in Australian Rules Football, as it is decided entirely by the players themselves. Being named a finalist signifies recognition from fellow athletes across the competition, highlighting Moore’s exceptional influence and leadership on the field throughout the season.
Named after legendary footballer and coach Leigh Matthews, the trophy has a rich history. Matthews was the inaugural recipient of the award back in 1982, when the league was still known as the Victorian Football League (VFL). The award was later renamed in his honour, recognizing his immense contribution to the game both as a player and a coach.
Moore’s nomination is a testament to his consistent high-level performance during the 2025 AFL season. Known for his elite intercept marking, composure under pressure, and leadership from the backline, Moore has been instrumental in Collingwood’s success this year. Under his captaincy, the Magpies have remained a formidable force in the competition, and his influence has extended beyond the stats sheet, inspiring teammates with his work ethic and professionalism.
This nomination places Moore among the elite of the league, as he joins a shortlist of other top contenders from rival clubs—all of whom have been voted in by their peers. The winner of the Leigh Matthews Trophy will be announced during the AFL Players’ MVP Awards night, a highlight of the league’s awards season.
Should Moore win, he would become one of the few defenders in the modern era to claim the honour—further underscoring the value of his unique contribution to the game. It would also be a significant achievement for Collingwood, adding to the club’s storied history and celebrating one of its current icons.
More details on the finalists and voting process are expected to be released by the AFLPA in the coming weeks.
