The Brownlow Medal race is as wide open as it’s been in recent years,
but a handful of contenders have emerged as the season approaches its halfway
point.
Carlton’s Patrick Cripps is the frontrunner after an outstanding start to the
season, currently averaging 28.9 disposals, 7.0 tackles and 8.9 clearances per
contest. The Blues skipper was well held on the weekend by GWS tagger Matt de
Boer, restrained to just 12 disposals.
Working in Cripps’ favour is the fact the he is the sole shining light
for Carlton. When he plays well it is bleedingly obvious due to the poor output
from his teammates, meaning he could even poll some 3s and 2s in losses.
Working against Cripps is the fact that every winner since the year 2014 has
played for a top eight side. The equation is simply, if your team win games you
are more likely to poll. Given the Blues look headed for another bottom three
finish, it would take some sort of remarkable output from Cripps to take home
Charlie.
If Cripps is your selection, be sure to use the neds bonus 2019 for the best
odds for the Blues’ superstar.
Brisbane’s Lachie Neale has emerged as another key contender for the Brownlow.
The gun midfielder has been brilliant for the fourth-placed Lions since
crossing over from Fremantle at the end of last season.
Neale is averaging 33.9 disposals and 8.1 clearances per game. They say the
Brownlow is a midfielder’s award, and Neale is the prototype modern onballer,
racking up huge numbers week after week. The fact that he has helped surge the
Lions into top four calculations will surely be noticed by the umpires.
Fremantle’s Nat Fyfe is always going to be in the Brownlow conversation too,
and he’s delivering another impressive season.
The Dockers captain is averaging 29.5 disposals, 5.1 marks, 4.1 tackles and 8.1
clearances per contest. His numbers don’t always jump off the page, but his
impact and willingness to lead his side consistently stand out. Fyfe is simply
a champion of the game and it would be no surprise seeing him claim a second
Brownlow when all is said and done.
Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield is also vying for his second Brownlow and he’s
had some big games this season. Averaging 25.4 disposals, 4.2 tackles and 5.8
inside 50s, his numbers stack up to anyone else’s in the competition.
Injuries have hampered Dangerfield in recent weeks, but with his side sitting
on the top of the ladder, there will be votes a plenty at the Cattery. Sharing
those votes could be the only concern.
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