Fremantle star Nat Fyfe has taken the first step towards what could be a double of the game's two highest individual honours after claiming the AFL Players Association most valuable player award.

Fyfe became only the third player in the 33-year history of the award to claim back-to-back trophies after he polled a stunning 1455 votes, well ahead of North Melbourne's Todd Goldstein (578) and Adelaide's Patrick Dangerfield (364).

Dockers captain Matthew Pavlich, the AFLPA president, handed Fyfe the Leigh Matthews trophy at a function in Perth on Tuesday night.

"It's such an honour to have been awarded the Leigh Matthews trophy two years in a row," Fyfe said. "Having the respect of your peers is one of the highest accolades we can hope to achieve as players – I'm truly humbled."

Pavlich had nothing but praise for Fyfe, who has become an almost impossible match-up for opponents because of his size, speed and marking.

"From day one this season, it was clear that Nat's outstanding form was continuing on from last year and that he was more than willing to work hard to keep growing and improving his game," Pavlich said.

"To be voted most valuable player by his peers – one of football's biggest honours – two years in a row, is a true testament to the dedication and skill that he brings to the game."

Fyfe is also among the favourites to claim the Brownlow Medal, although the second half of his season was hampered by injury.

He began the campaign brilliantly, and was a key component in helping the Dockers take top spot on the ladder.

So good was he that close observers believe he could have more than 25 Brownlow votes after 12 rounds.

He had at least 30 disposals in nine of his first 12 matches, including 40 and a goal against Adelaide in round nine.

Other AFLPA winners were Sydney's Luke Parker, as the most courageous player, ahead of Greater Western Sydney's Callan Ward.

After his team's remarkable rise, Western Bulldog Bob Murphy was named the best captain, ahead of Hawthorn's Luke Hodge and Adelaide's Taylor Walker.

Sydney midfielder Isaac Heeney was deemed the best first-year player, ahead of Melbourne's Angus Brayshaw and Gold Coast's Touk Miller.

The AFLPA also revealed its fan-voted 22-and-under team, with Western Bulldog Jake Stringer named captain and Parker his deputy.

2015 MVP count

Nat Fyfe (Fremantle) 1455 votes

Told Goldstein (North Melbourne) 578

Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide) 364

Matt Priddis (West Coast) 269

Josh Kennedy (West Coast)  191

Dan Hannebery (Sydney) 162

Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn) 116

Alex Rance (Richmond) 100

Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide) 90

Eddie Betts (Adelaide) 86

MOST COURAGEOUS

Luke Parker (Sydney) 238

Callan Ward (GWS) 123

Joel Selwood (Geelong) 83

Luke Hodge (Hawthorn) 78

Alex Rance (Richmond) 43

BEST FIRST-YEAR PLAYER

Isaac Heeney (Sydney) 190

Angus Brayshaw (Melbourne) 139

Touk Miller (Gold Coast) 113

Jake Lever (Adelaide) 46

Cory Gregson (Geelong) 41

BEST CAPTAIN

Bob Murphy (Western Bulldogs) 226

Luke Hodge (Hawthorn) 144

Taylor Walker (Adelaide) 94

Shannon Hurn (West Coast) 42

Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda) 37