Fremantle star Kiara Bowers has been recognised by the AFLW competition's senior coaches as the best player in 2021, with the midfielder winning the AFLCA champion player of the year award.

Bowers polled five votes in round nine against North Melbourne to finish three ahead of GWS Giant Alyce Parker, with the pair separated by just six votes heading into the round.

Bowers polled votes in eight of a possible nine games, including the maximum possible 10 votes in four games as the best on ground against West Coast in round two, Adelaide in round three, Gold Coast in round four and Carlton in round seven.

She averaged 21 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 7 clearances, 11 tackles and 3 inside 50s per game this season.

Senior coach Trent Cooper praised Bowers as one of the AFLW’s best players and was pleased to see her get the same recognition by opposition coaches.

“I’m really proud of Kiara and she is a thoroughly deserving winner of the AFLCA champion player of the year award,” Cooper said.

“I know all the coaches put a lot of time and thought into who they vote for each week and it was great that opposition coaches recognised the great impact she had on games right across the season.

“From a coach’s point of view, she’s every coach’s dream. Not only is she super talented but she works extremely hard and sets a great example for her teammates and then also delivers on whatever the coaches are asking that is best for the team.

“It’s a rare person that can combine all of those aspects and we’re very lucky to have her at Fremantle.”

The Champion Player of the Year award encompasses the best AFLW player from the home and away season.

AFL Coaches Association CEO Mark Brayshaw congratulated Bowers on being crowned this year's top prize.

“What an amazing season Kiara has had for Fremantle polling in all but one round and receiving four 10s,” Brayshaw said.

“Kiara should be very proud of her performances and in receiving this recognition...the coaches have a unique perspective on what succeeds in each of the games and take care allocating their votes, which we believe makes this the most prestigious of all the individual awards in the AFLW."

See the final leaderboard below.