TOP CONTENDERS FOR THE AFL'S BROWNLOW MEDAL WITH NINE ROUNDS REMAINING:
* TOM MITCHELL (HAWTHORN, $2.85*)
After 14 rounds, Mitchell leads the AFL for disposals and clearances and is a clear favourite to take home 'Charlie' for the first time. The 25-year-old's ball-winning ability is unmatched - witness his record-breaking 54 disposals against Collingwood. But he can count himself lucky not to have been suspended - and rendered ineligible - for a high elbow on North Melbourne's Todd Goldstein.
* PATRICK CRIPPS (CARLTON, $9.00)
The fact that Cripps leads the AFL for contested possessions is no surprise - no player has carried his team on his shoulders more than the Carlton young gun. But is it sustainable? And how many votes will he manage to win given the bottom-placed Blues have only one win to their name?
* DUSTIN MARTIN (RICHMOND, $9.00)
It's a testament to Martin's ability that he sits equal-second among bookmakers despite clearly playing at a level below his astonishing 2017. There's still plenty of time for the Tigers superstar to mount a late surge towards back-to-back medals, although Trent Cotchin ($15.00) will also be among the votes.
* ANDREW GAFF (WEST COAST, $12.00)
Arguably the AFL's most coveted free agent, Gaff has added to his market value with an outstanding start to the season. But the star Eagles wingman is likely to bleed votes to fellow midfielder Elliot Yeo and forward Jack Darling.
* MAX GAWN (MELBOURNE, $14.00)
The towering Gawn continues to stamp his reputation as the AFL's premier ruckman and has played a big part in Melbourne's resurgence this season. But the odds are stacked against him - not since Scott Wynd in 1992 has a ruckman won the Brownlow.
* SHAUN HIGGINS (NORTH MELBOURNE, $14.00)
Much like his team, Higgins has exceeded expectations this season and looms as a sneaky chance to become the most low-profile Brownlow winner in recent memory. His form over the past three weeks has been superb.
* Odds via Sportsbet
Share
