2020 Brownlow Medal Predictor

West Coast 65 v St Kilda 50 – Gabba

Despite the mounting injury list, when push came to shove the Eagles showed us the Saints still aren’t there yet. Ultra-professional all night, the 2018 Premiers stuck to the task and on the back of performances like Tim Kelly’s 30 disposals & two goals, remain in the hunt for the top 4.

Richmond 57 v Geelong 31 – Metricon Stadium

Pre-game, the Cats looked genuine contenders for the Premiership. Post-game, they look anything but. Outclassed once again by the Tigers, they were given a masterclass in disciplined team football. That brand however doesn’t correlate to simple vote allocation. We’ve shared the votes between five, with little confidence.

Fremantle 99 v North Melbourne 35 – Metricon Stadium

Nat Fyfe 24 touches (13 contested). Fremantle win. 3 votes? Voting history suggests it’s that simple.

Port Adelaide 79 v Essendon 29 – Adelaide Oval

Top 2 and a home final locked in without breaking a sweat. Port are taking momentum into the finals and the Dons are basking in their mediocrity once more. Rolling along nicely it’s the Powers midfield that are really starting to flex their muscles and not for the first time, Travis Boak was everywhere. Plenty of late junk stats has us leaning elsewhere for best on but with 26 disposals and a goal his found 2nd spot on the leader board for us.

Melbourne 79 v GWS 74 – Gabba

22 disposals for Petracca and 19 of them contested. In a crucial win it’ll be interesting to see where the umpires landed when entering their 3/2 &1. Big Maxy and All Australian candidate Steven May put in two eye-catching performances that look likely to take votes off Petracca’s late run up the leader board.

Adelaide 72 v Calton 56 – Metricon Stadium

The Crows are built for September footy! The 2020 version of course but impressive nonetheless. Three on the trot now and some hope for the future with 1st year players like Lachlan Sholl with skill and pace to rival any rookie. 24 disposals, 627 metres gained and two goals is a huge game for anyone regardless of experience but for a player in game 7 of his career it’s even more impressive.

Western Bulldogs 76 v Hawthorn 40 – Adelaide Oval

Mission accomplished. The Dogs fate remains in their own hands. Six unanswered goals in the first half put it beyond doubt and according to the stat sheet, the midfielders feasted. However with a staggering five players clearing 25 touches or more it’s a half back that we’ve allocated the three. 28 disposals, 563 metres gained and a late goal on the run to Caleb Daniel could just be enough to edge out the Bont’s 28 disposal game.

Brisbane 73 v Sydney 41 – Cazaly Stadium

Further evidence that Lachie Neale doesn’t like the tag. 15 touches won’t get him votes and it might just make the vote count that little bit more interesting if not already wrapped up.

Collingwood 68 v Gold Coast 46 – Gabba

Now just the one spot remains. The Pies are in and with the return of Jordan De Goey up forward, are starting to look a little dangerous. 4.2 in a match winning performance was a reminder to the Pies faithful of why they need to secure his signature for next year and beyond.

North Melbourne 42 v Port Adelaide 78 – Metricon Stadium

34 disposals (12 contested) @ 85% efficiency, 9 clearances, 1 goal and now Travis Boak sits equal 2nd on our leader board. A smoky to upset the runaway leader?

St Kilda 80 v Hawthorn 66 – Metricon Stadium

Another smoky is Jack Steele. He’s a chance to poll three with his 21 disposals/ 1 goal game but has some competition. We’ve allocated 1.5 to the gun midfielder but there’s plenty of competition for the three, in what was a crucial win in his teams campaign to end a nearly decade-old finals drought.

Geelong 108 v Essendon 42 – Gabba

The heat was on early and the Dons melted. Standard behavior. The witches hats of Essendon were dealt a lesson from the opening bounce and there was no better teacher than soon-to-be Coleman medallist Tom Hawkins. In arguably the best form of his career, the big Tomahawk put on a masterclass for the hapless Dons, kicking 4.1 from 17 disposals and in doing so, putting himself in the conversation to win the Cats vote count come Brownlow night.

Western Bulldogs 49 v West Coast 47 – Metricon Stadium

The final two spots in the eight remain up for grabs and destiny is now in the Dogs hands. It was a matter of millimetres from a late captains goal but it was all that was needed. Enough for the Bont to factor in the votes though? Possibly, but he looks too far back to contend with Neale and co anyway.

Fremantle 47 v Melbourne 33 – Cazaly Stadium

The Dees just aren’t made for September. Imagine being stuck in lockdown and also supporting this side? A grim thought. Season on the line and it was the Dockers playing for nothing but pride that showed up. No more-so than the fast-improving Adam Cerra. So far a consistent performer in his short career but this was arguably his best game to date. With 30 disposals and a goal of the year contender, his game was the eye-catcher for us.

Adelaide 59 v GWS 47 – Adelaide Oval

A week ago, the Crows looked destined for a winless year. Now they’ve won two on the trot beating a team that on paper, has arguably one of the best lists in the comp. Switched on from the get-go, Adelaide played with confidence and it’s the move of Rory Laird into the midfield that looks to be a stroke of coaching genius. Another big clearance game with 11 amongst 28 disposals, the once-dashing defender looked the most influential.

Carlton 57 v Sydney 52 – Metricon Stadium

25 disposals, 9 marks, 7I50’s, 10 score involvements, and 584 metres gained. Matt Cottrell may have kicked the winner but Sam Walsh was the catalyst to giving the Blues an opportunity to win it in the first place.

Brisbane 88 v Gold Coast 43 – Gabba

If it wasn’t already done and dusted, Rnd 16 might be the round Lachie Neale is officially announced as the 2020 Brownlow Medallist. Awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for best afield, his 33 disposals looks likely to secure the three also.

Adelaide 83 v Hawthorn 48 – Adelaide Oval

3 votes in the one Crows victory might just win the club’s vote count. Funnily enough, we’re finding it a difficult game to allocate. We’ve gone 2/2/2 shared amongst the Crouch brothers combined 59 disposals and Reilly O’Brien’s dominant game in the ruck without any confidence whatsoever. Good luck if you’re having a bet in the Crows most votes but I think we’ll pass.

West Coast 60 v Essendon 45 – Gabba

Maybe they’re not flat-track bullies? With the news midweek that the GF will be played in QLD, the Eagles proved that it’s not just Perth or bust. Top 4 is back on the agenda and it was all thanks to Liam Ryan’s accuracy that keeps them in the race for the double chance. Do 14 disposals and 4.1 guarantee you 3 votes vs some big Essendon midfield numbers though? Can’t say it does and we’ve settled on two.

Richmond 56 v Fremantle 29 – Metricon Stadium

One for the purists maybe? Probably a stretch. This one was bad. To make matters worse its another tough one for the votes. Jayden Short’s 23 touches and 439 metres gained maybe? The rebounding defender was the only Tigers player to collect more than 20 disposals.

Sydney 67 v Melbourne 46 – Cazaly Stadium

Ahhhh Melbourne. No other club lets their supporters down more than the Dees. The kings of mediocrity, they’ve delivered some more garbage just when there was a glimmer of hope. The rebuilding Swans controlled the game from the get-go and it was the ever-reliable Luke Parker that led the way. 24 disposals, 2 goals and 6 clearances should lock him in for three votes.

GWS 48 v Carlton 39 – Metricon Stadium

You’re going to struggle to win when you’re scoring one goal from your last 42 I50 entries. Carlton couldn’t convert, opening the door for the Giants to snatch victory. Not pretty but bank the four points and move on if you’re the Giants.

Back in the top eight, the 2019 Grand finalists can thank the intercept specialist Nick Haynes from keeping them in the game. A maiden All-Australian jacket has to be on the cards and with 13 intercept possessions amongst 21 disposals, he deserves the three votes also.

Brisbane 42 v Collingwood 34 – Gabba

Is there any hope for the chasing pack? 27 touches but only 227 metres gained for runaway leader Lachie Neale. Wasn’t an eye-catcher and we’ve settled on 0.5 to extend his lead ever so slightly.

Essendon 87 v Hawthorn 71 – Adelaide Oval

Hard to bypass Joe Daniher’s impressive return but so is Andrew McGrath’s consistency. The 2016 #1 pick has now polled coaches votes in 10 of a possible 13 games this season. The young midfielder took it upon himself to change the momentum of the game and with 32 disposals (16 contested), 10 clearances and 5 I50’s he should poll three in what was a crucial come from behind win for the Dons.

Richmond 88 v West Coast 61 – Metricon Stadium

No Perth, no West Coast? On a neutral oval, and up against the most disciplined & structured team in the competition, the 2018 premiers had no answers. Outplayed all night, it was performances like Trent Cotchin’s 26 disposals and Bachar Houli’s 23 disposals that reminded us why the Tigers might just be the team to beat.

Geelong 72 v Western Bulldogs 61 – Metricon Stadium

Not since 1979 have the Cats comeback from a bigger quarter time deficit. This one just happens to be with reduced minutes as well. In such an important game for the clubs top 4 chances, their captain put the team on his shoulders to put in a match-winning performance. 32 disposals (19 contested), 10 score involvements, 5 I50s and 6 clearances has 3 votes written all over it.

Port Adelaide 73 v Sydney 47 – Adelaide Oval

The Power are a different beast when Robbie Gray is up and firing. Now in a more prominent forward role with increased depth running through the midfield, the classy veteran reminded us why he’s considered one of the best players to wear the Black, Teal and Silver. With 27 disposals and two goals he should be polling the three.

GWS 91 v Fremantle 53 – Optus Stadium

Two of the smoothest movers in the game should be polling the three and two in this one. Lachie Whitfield’s 31 disposals @ 83% & David Mundy’s 20 disposals & two goals @ 80% looked a class above.

Melbourne 52 v St Kilda 49 – Traegar Park

Do we dare suggest the Dees are now odds on to finish in the top 8? Hats off to those game enough to back them. In a vital game that could well shape the last few spots of the finals, Christian Petracca, again put in a big one. Not his usual disposal tally but four goals in low scoring game was just as important.

Collingwood 72 v Carlton 48 – Gabba

The Pies are one step closer to sealing a top 8 berth. Back-to-back wins with a depleted playing list has put their finals campaign back on track. Difficult one to allocate votes without an obvious standout performance but Jack Crisps 25 disposals @ 90% was as eye-catching as any in his club’s crucial win.

Gold Coast 91 v North Melbourne 28 – Metricon Stadium

The only good news for the Kangas is their season ends in 3 games. They’re bad. The Suns were allowed to have a field day and shining brightest once again was young-gun Noah Anderson. The #2 pick continues to strengthen his case for the NAB Rising Star Award and with another 23 disposals and 5 clearances he should figure prominently in the votes.

Gold Coast 27 v Carlton 60 – TIO Stadium

Hard to believe Carlton acquired Jack Martin for basically nothing. A welcome inclusion to the Blues, the smooth mover continues to flourish and with 21 disposals @ 85% efficiency, he’ll go close to polling the three against his former side.

Western Bulldogs 80 v Melbourne 52 – Metricon Stadium

Mid-week Luke Beveridge said the Bont is fast becoming the ‘complete player’. Surely he’s already there? Another standout performance in a crucial matchup vs the Dees, his 22 disposals & 1.1, has him climbing our leader board into the top 5.

Port Adelaide 68 v Hawthorn 58 – Adelaide Oval

Talk about continuing to fly under the radar. Plenty of fanfare for so many other midfielder’s in the game but rarely do you hear about Travis Boak. Another 34 disposals in a tight tussle has him now sitting 2nd on our leader board.

Essendon 61 v Richmond 73 – TIO Stadium

Essendon to Dustin Martin is the equivalent of Darryl Cullinan to Shane Warne. Bunnies. The 2017 Brownlow Medallist has polled 16 votes in their last 7 matchups against one another, and with an eye-catching 30 disposals in this one, he’ll be adding to that staggering tally.

Fremantle 50 v Sydney 19 – Optus Stadium

Luke Ryan has to be in the All-Australian conversation.  Averaging 19 disposals as a key defender he now has the Goodes-O’Loughlin Medal to go with his stellar season.  His 26 disposals came @ 84% efficiency and looked the most obvious performance to be awarded three on Brownlow night.

Adelaide 37 v Geelong 65 – Adelaide Oval

As per Champion Data, when normalised to account for shorter quarters, Cam Guthrie is averaging 26.5 Disposals, 5.3 marks and 4.8 clearances. Add another 33 disposals and it’s quite the season the 10 year veteran is putting together.

Brisbane 50 v St Kilda 48 – Gabba

Despite the loss, Jack Steele deserves the three votes.  We’ve allocated 2.5 without the W, but with another strong performance collecting 25 disposals, his was the standout game. 

West Coast 61 v GWS 49 – Optus Stadium

That’s now 8 straight for the Eagles and momentum doesn’t look like halting.  With silver service and all-round dominance over Shane Mumford, Nic Naitanui had his highest output of the year and biggest TOG % since 2015 which is a further sign to the rest of the competition that the Eagles are the team to beat.

Collingwood 65 v North Melbourne 35 – Gabba

Mission accomplished. Finals hopes remain intact. A second half surge got the job done and it was on the back off another Pendles masterclass. 11 disposals and a goal in the third term to go with 28 disposals for the match looked the difference when the game was there to be won.

Sydney 66 v GWS 25 – Optus Stadium

Hard to fathom a team that looks that good on paper can only manage three goals vs an undermanned, inexperienced Sydney outfit. Against the odds and all predictions, the re-building Swans made the Giants look second-rate. With plenty of contributors, it’s hard to look past Luke Parkers 29 disposals (15 contested) as the best performance of the night.

Geelong 91 v Port Adelaide 31 – Metricon Stadium

For the second time in a month, the big Tomahawk has defeated a team off his own boot. In arguably career best form, the big forward kicked 6.2 vs the Power’s measly 4.7 to put in one of the best performances of the year.

North Melbourne 52 v Brisbane 53 – Metricon Stadium

Bank the four points and move on. Not their best performance of the year, but the Lions will take it and draw level on points with ladder leaders Port Adelaide. In a scrappy win, for once, it wasn’t a Lachie Neale masterclass. This time Dayne Zorko looked to have the standout performance collecting 23 disposals, 7 I50’s with an eye-catching 610 metres gained.

Melbourne 100 v Collingwood 44 – Gabba

Christian Petracca has his first All-Australian guernsey almost wrapped up. The midfield bull has come alive this season and with another dominant display of contested football (15 contested) combined with a powerful 505 metres gained, he now sits outright 2nd on our leaderboard.

Fremantle 36 v Carlton 40 – Optus Stadium

For one of the great match-winning goals after the siren, it doesn’t feel right that Jack Newnes won’t poll a vote. But 12 disposals just doesn’t cut it, unfortunately. We’re looking at Ed Curnow’s grunt work in the middle to go with 33 disposals and nine clearances as the most likely performance to have caught the umpires attention.

Western Bulldogs 111 v Adelaide 54 – Metricon Stadium

You’ve had a fair day out when you look likely to poll the three in a game where we saw 37 touches from Bailey Smith and six goals from Aaron Naughton. But Marcus Bontempelli’s performance rivalled some of the best we’ve seen this year. With 33 disposals at 81% efficiency combined with two goals and 12 clearances, the Doggies captain is starting to find his best form.

St Kilda 68 v Essendon 33 – Gabba

After a Round 11 drubbing at the hands of the Cats, St Kilda needed an easy kill to regain their confidence. They got one in the form of the perennially mediocre Essendon Football Club. In a canter from the opening bounce, any one of half-a-dozen Saints were worthy of votes however the line-breaking game of Zak Jones (26 disposals) and the breakout performance from young Saint Josh Battle (18 disposals/ 1 goal) should figure most prominently come Brownlow night.

West Coast 81 v Hawthorn 49 – Optus Stadium

The Eagles have sent yet another statement to the rest of the competition. Stretching their winning streak to seven, the 2018 premiers deserve to be on the top line of Premiership betting. With plenty of contributors across the board, it’s hard to ignore the 33 disposals collected from the hard-running Andrew Gaff as a chance to poll most.

Richmond 53 v Gold Coast 32 – Gabba

One team was coming off a 9-day break and the other 4. Come the 2nd half, experience, and the extra rest proved telling. Benefiting from the extra rest more than most was Tiger captain Trent Cotchin who wound back the clock to record his highest disposal count (26) for over a year putting him in poll position for the three votes.

Port Adelaide 93 v Richmond 72 – Adelaide Oval

80 more disposals, 11 more scoring shots and 31 more I50’s. In what was the game of the year played at a high intensity throughout, the Power proved their premiership credentials by dominating possession all afternoon.

Outplaying the Tigers across the ground, it was in the midfield where the game was won. Ollie Wines and Travis Boak combined for 59 disposals (37 contested) & 17 clearances and will battle it out for the 3 & 2 respectively.

Brisbane 96 v Western Bulldogs 72 – Gabba

How do you split a 36 disposal/ 1 goal game vs a 40 disposal/ 1 goal game when allocating votes? You side with whichever player got the W. That just happens to be Lachie Neale again. Does he have Charlie wrapped up by Round 11?

West Coast 72 v Carlton 50 – Optus Stadium

Dom Sheed is clutch. When the game is in the balance you want the ball in his hands. Two crucial goals to go with 26 disposals and 9 clearances was by far the stand out performance.

North Melbourne 35 v Melbourne 92 – Adelaide Oval

The battle for the minor placings on our leader board is heating up! What’s been a slow burn for Dees fans, Christian Petracca is now living up to his potential. With 29 disposals (17 contested) and 12 score involvements in this one, he now finds himself in our top 5.

St Kilda 34 v Geelong 93 – Gabba

Talk about flying under the radar. This year Sam Menegola is 1st for Average disposals, 1st for contested disposals, 5th for I50’s and 5th for goals for a side sitting in the top 4. With 26 disposals and 2 goals in a comfortable win, we now have him leading Geelong’s vote count.

Fremantle 48 v Hawthorn 32 – Optus Stadium

With consistent midfield minutes, Andrew Brayshaw is now justifying his early draft selection. Hesitant to give him the full three when Nat Fyfe had 28 disposals & a goal but with a game-high 33 disposals at 81% efficiency he should go close.

Adelaide 38 v Collingwood 62 – Adelaide Oval

The Pies needed a win. Their acting captain delivered. 27 disposals (16 contested) and 10 clearances should see Taylor Adams poll three in what was a vital win for the Maggies.

Gold Coast 73 v Essendon 73 – Metricon Stadium

There’s nothing like a heart-in-mouth thriller on a Wednesday night! The festival of Football rolls on and in the 2nd half this one delivered in spades. Down to the final seconds it was the last heroic act of Andrew McGrath that salvaged two vital points for his side. The desperate smother to go with another consistent performance racking up 26 disposals has him in the box seat for the three.

Port Adelaide 55 v Western Bulldogs 42 – Adelaide Oval

Do not sleep on Zac Butters. All the plaudits thus far have been for his fellow teammate and 2018 draftee Connor Rozee but the pendulum is swinging. With seven Coaches votes for his eye-catching 24 disposal game, he’s every chance of landing the three Brownlow votes also.

Richmond 82 v Brisbane 41 – Metricon Stadium

Ominous and all too familiar for the rest of the competition. Richmond timing their run and doing so in a ruthless fashion is something we’ve seen before. What’s now 15 wins on the trot against the Lions, it was the emerging Shai Bolton’s 24 disposals, 6 clearances and a goal that looked best for the rampaging Tigers.

Geelong 90 v North Melbourne 57 – Gabba

Who had Cam Guthrie as Geelong’s leader after 10 rounds of the regular season? Certainly not us! Do we dare speak of All-Australian? On the list since 2011, this season is easily his best and with another 29 disposals in this one he’s fast becoming a vital cog in the Cats’ push for the Top 4.

Adelaide 37 v Melbourne 88 – Adelaide Oval

A week after Kane Cornes spoke about trading Clayton Oliver, the gun midfielder delivered a stat line that read 34 disposals (22 contested), 12 clearances, 502 metres gained and 1 goal. Fair response.

Collingwood 50 v Sydney 41 – Gabba

I’d doubt even the most loyal of Collingwood supporters will want to watch this one again. One for the purists, it was the performance of the Macedonian Marvel 2.0 that stood out. With 25 disposals and arguably the goal of the year to seal victory, Josh Daicos looks the most likely for three.

Gold Coast 74 v St Kilda 78 – Metricon Stadium

Jack Steele has now polled Coaches Votes in the last seven St Kilda games. With another 21 touches & two goals we’ve got him moving up the leader board to sit 2nd behind Lachie Neale.

Essendon 55 v GWS 59 – Metricon Stadium

A comeback that might be remembered come finals time. All but gone, the Giants managed to claw their way back to secure an important win in the race for a finals birth. Plenty went big, but it was Captain Stephen Coniglio’s 26 disposals and a goal that looked the catalyst in the gritty come from behind win.

Richmond 90 v Western Bulldogs 49 – Metricon Stadium

Some ominous signs for the rest of the competitions 2020 aspirations. The Tigers are back to their ruthless best and Dusty is warming up. The superstar wound back the clock to 2017 putting on a masterclass & a stat line that screams three votes! 26 disposals @ 76% efficiency with 3 goals, 8 score involvements, 4 clearances and 8 I50’s was one of the bigger games we’ve seen this year.

Port Adelaide 83 v Melbourne 32 – Gabba

Insipid. Pathetic. Shambolic. Not our words but Melbourne great Garry Lyon’s assessment of his beloved Dees at H/T. Not that the Port players were complaining, continuing on their merry way in the 2nd half to complete what looked like circle work around a couple of witches hats. Dominant all night, it was Travis Boak’s (25 disposals/ 1 goal) return to a more permanent midfield role that was the standout for us.

Hawthorn 89 v Carlton 58 – Optus Stadium

We’ve come across this scenario before. Patrick Cripps going big in a losing side. 27 disposals (19 contested), 8 clearances and a goal is the type of game where he polls three regardless of result.

Brisbane 91 v Essendon 28 – Metricon Stadium

Charlie Cameron kicked four. Essendon kicked three. Enough to beat Lachie Neale’s 33 disposals & two goals though? Unlikely.

North Melbourne 119 v Adelaide 50 – Metricon Stadium

When was the last time a team went winless through a season? Based off this showing Adelaide are about to be the next team. Desperately out of form, they made the Kangas look like world-beaters and it was the unlikely game from Luke McDonald (35 disposals) that was the eye-catcher.

St Kilda 101 v Sydney 48 – Gabba

Last time the Saints beat the Swans, Max King was 11 and Brett Ratten was coaching Carlton. Off today’s form, the roles might be reversed for a while. On the back of another impressive showing from Jack Steele (23 disposals) who’s fast becoming elite, St Kilda looked a class above from start to finish.

West Coast 73 v Geelong 64 – Optus Stadium

Nic Naitanui’s game looked one of the performances of the year. Does 10 touches correlate to 3 Brownlow votes though? We’re leaning towards Tim Kelly’s 23 disposals (8 contested) and 513 metres gained as the challenger.

GWS 61 v Gold Coast 35 – Metricon Stadium

That’s now 9 wins in a row vs Gold Coast and a relatively comfortable one at that. In control from the get-go it was the smooth moving Lachie Whitfield (29 disposals) and Josh Kelly (29 disposals) that led the Giants back into finals contention.

Fremantle 61 v Collingwood 49 – Optus Stadium

Mundy after the siren. Maybe not the match winner this time but its poetry nonetheless. With 23 disposals and 10 clearances to go with the late goal, he might just land the three as well.

Western Bulldogs 51 v Gold Coast 46 – Metricon Stadium

It was a nail-biter but enough to see the Dogs cement their position in the eight. With plenty of contributors, on history, 29 disposals to Jack Macrae looks the most obvious for three, but Bailey Smith’s 22 touches with 443 metres gained plus a goal was just as eye-catching.

GWS 62 v Richmond 50 – Giants Stadium

Take a bow, Toby Greene. Love him or hate him he continues to influence games and with five goals in a match-winning performance he deserves to edge out the classy performances’ of Dusty (23 disposals, 2 goals) & Josh Kelly (26 Disposals, 1 Goal).

Carlton 64 v North Melbourne 57 – Gabba

They won their first two games of the season, but now the Kangas have lost six on the trot and it’s all looking pretty grim for the rest of 2020. Gallant in defeat they tried all day but it was the Blues extra class that was the difference. We’ve got Matt Kennedy’s 20 disposals and two goals as the most likely for the votes.

Sydney 60 v Hawthorn 53 – SCG

Tom Papley. Gets under the opposition’s skin like no other but back’s it up with impact. Now leading the Coleman, his 4.2 might just edge out the rebounding masterclass produced by Jack Lloyd (34 disposals) and Dane Rampe (25 disposals).

St Kilda 73 v Port Adelaide 44 – Adelaide Oval

The Saints have conquered the Adelaide Oval. It took them a staggering 2235 days & 10 games for their first win before landing two in six days. In what was a gutsy win against the ladder leaders, Jack Steele (21 touches) continued his dominant form in the middle but it was Hunter Clarke’s 24 touches and line breaking play’s that looked the stand out in the impressive win.

Essendon 62 v Adelaide 59 – Adelaide Oval

Essendon have mastered winning ugly. Lucky to get the win over a gallant Crows, Zach Merrett played his best game of the year. 33 disposals with a staggering 613 metres gained was the eye-catching performance in this heart stopper.

West Coast 111 v Collingwood 45 – Optus Stadium

The Pies entered this game conceding an average of 43 points per game. Josh Kennedy scored 42 on his own. With 111 in total the Eagles are well and truly back!

Brisbane 53 v Melbourne 49 – Metricon Stadium

Eight games into the season and Lachie Neale is odds-on to have six 3 vote games. With 33 disposals (16 contested) in another win, he looks likely to collect another 3 votes in this one. Now six votes clear of Gawn he’s going to take a lot of catching in this shortened season.

Geelong 48 v Fremantle 16 – Optus Stadium

Speaking of ugly… If you missed it, don’t bother. In a comfortable win, the Cats conceded only the two goals to cement their spot in the top 4. Anyone of a handful of Cats midfielders looks worthy of three but Cam Guthrie’s 30 disposals and 7 clearances was the stand out for us.

Collingwood 57 v Geelong 35 – Optus Stadium

A five goal haul these days is rare. In a match where 13 goals are kicked in total it warrants 3 votes. Jordan De Goey was the X factor all night and looks the most likely for Best-on honours.

Western Bulldogs 93 v Essendon 51 – Metricon Stadium

Was Tim English’s game the best individual performance of the season? Soundly beaten by Grundy in Rnd one, he’s emerged a different player after our Corona hiatus. 22 disposals (17 contested), 4 marks, 4 tackles and a lazy 203 SC points has him climbing our leader board to a jaw-dropping 5th spot.

Brisbane 88 v GWS 68 – Giants Stadium

Harris Andrews was by far the most influential player on the field but unfortunately the Brownlow isn’t a defenders award. In what looks a difficult one to allocate, Zac Bailey could pinch the three with his two goals and 18 disposal/10 mark game.

Gold Coast 92 v Sydney 60 – SCG

Mark Ricciuto wouldn’t agree but Hugh Greenwood is in the conversation for the best recruit of the year. For a future third & fourth-round pick he looks the steal of 2020 and with 23 touches and 9 clearances in this one, he should land the three.

Richmond 77 v North Melbourne 23 – Metricon Stadium

Derek Eggmolese-Smith is proof just how good Richmond’s system is. Lose All Australian Bachar Houli and gain a readymade replacement. With 23 touches and 4 intercepts, Eggmolese-Smith looked all class and should poll his first career Brownlow votes.

Port Adelaide 64 v Carlton 61 – Gabba

Left it to the final kick but the Power remain a game clear on top. In what was the best game of the round, Patrick Cripps final qtr heroics could just about snatch the three from Charlie Dixon’s 3.4 & 15 disposals.

Melbourne 91 v Hawthorn 48 – Giants Stadium

Lachie Neale’s lead just got halved. 22 possessions (16 contested), 8 intercept and 7 score involvements to big May Gawn has him climbing the leader board to sit outright 2nd.

West Coast 62 v Fremantle 32 – Optus Stadium

Winning the Glendinning-Allan Medal doesn’t guarantee you three Brownlow votes, especially when you’ve only touched the ball 11 times. We’ve found two votes for Josh Kennedy’s four goals but suspect any one of Brad Sheppard, Elliot Yeo or Tim Kelly are just as likely to poll the three.

Adelaide 55 v St Kilda 78 – Adelaide Oval

26 Disposals (19 contested), 13 clearances, 4 score involvements & 353 metres gained. Jack Steele is a pretty handy footballer when he’s not tasked with a run-with role.

Geelong 73 v Brisbane 46 – SCG

Geelong’s Sam Simpson last played for the Cats over 700 days ago. On his return, his racked up a career best 27 disposals (13 contested), 6 marks, and 5 tackles in a reduced format. Where’s he been?

Collingwood 59 v Hawthorn 27 – Giants Stadium

To be a fly on the wall in the post-game review when you record the clubs lowest ever score (27) under Clarkson. Coming off a bad loss, the Pies outplayed the hapless Hawks from the get-go and there was no one more influential than the returning Adam Treloar. The gun midfielder hasn’t missed a beat since his return and with 35 disposals, he looks the most likely to poll the three.

Fremantle 79 v St Kilda 73 – Metricon Stadium

No St Kilda lead is safe. Not for the first time this year the Saints looked like world-beaters before unraveling to lose the unlosable. After Qtr time they had no answer to the fast running Dockers with Michael Walters (26 disposals) the most damaging of them all.

West Coast 67 v Adelaide 34 – Gabba

It’s taken a while for new recruit Tim Kelly to find his rhythm but without Luke Shuey and with some extra space available in the midfield, he stepped up. In his best performance for the club, the classy ex-Cat had 25 disposals with a game-high eight clearances to look the obvious choice for the three votes.

Melbourne 80 v Gold Coast 63 – Giants Stadium

It looks hard work being a Melbourne supporter but for their sake, a win provides a glimmer of hope for 2020. Petracca continues to shine and with two goals to go with 25 touches, his game looked the more eye-catching than big Maxy Gawn’s dominant ruck display.

Essendon 67 v North Melbourne 53 – Metricon Stadium

Last week we said Dylan Shiel is a smoky. One week later he gets tagged out of the game and cops a two-week suspension. Punting hey.

Port Adelaide 63 v GWS 46 – Metricon Stadium

Of all the games in Rnd 6, this looks the hardest for vote allocation. A hard-fought win by the Power with an even spread of contributors makes it difficult. Powell-Pepper & Houston both with 22 touches look the most likely but hard not to ignore Lachie Whitfield’s classy 25 disposals/ one-goal game also. Then there’s Kane Farrell’s breakout game off HB with 19 & a goal to throw in the mix as well.

Richmond 34 v Sydney 26 – SCG

The Tigers kicked 3 goals in the first nine minutes and one goal thereafter. They won the match. Sums up the spectacle. In one of the more forgettable games of recent times, it looks a coin toss between Kane Lambert’s 23 disposals off HF and Jayden Shorts 26 touches rebounding off HB for best on.

Carlton 103 v Western Bulldogs 51 – Metricon Stadium

Just four clubs have kicked 100+ points in season 2020. One of them is Carlton. Wins are becoming more frequent and the light at the end of the tunnel is becoming that little bit brighter. Even better though was another win without relying on Patrick Cripps. Eddie’s four or Curnow’s 19 touches and a goal looked the most eye-catching.

St Kilda 73 v Carlton 55 – Marvel Stadium

Jack Steele did a number on Brownlow fancy Patrick Cripps all while collecting 23 touches himself. With 28 pressure acts (double his next teammate) and 9 tackles was it enough though to beat Rowan Marshall’s seven clearances (#1 in game), five I50s (#1 in game), twelve contested possessions (#1 in game) & 403 metres gained (#3 in game)? We’ve got the gun ruckman just.

Essendon 63 v Collingwood 48 – MCG

Is Dylan Shiel a Brownlow Medal smoky? He’s averaging 26 disposals, 7 clearances and 3.8 I50s. We’ve got him on six but with a game up his sleeve he has to be in the conversation as a contender if this form continues.

West Coast 77 v Sydney 43 – Metricon Stadium

Finally a hub win for the Eagles. With their season on tenterhooks the Eagles of old were unleashed. Elliot Yeo and Nic Naitanui combined in the middle to dominate the clearances (36-23) and look most likely to poll the 3 & 2.

Geelong 89 v Gold Coast 52 – GMHBA

Before this game, Matt Rowell had polled perfect 10s in three of his first four AFL games in the AFL coaches votes. The fewest career games in history was 31 (Tim Kelly) before that. The Brownlow chat midweek was warranted but unfortunately, a shoulder injury looks to have cut the unlikely dream short. That unfortunate incident aside, The Cats were too good with Tom Hawkins’ 17 disposal/ 3 goal game the standout.

Brisbane 85 v Port Adelaide 48 – Gabba

Lachie Neale is averaging 29.4 Disposals/ 6.8 clearances/ 3.8 I50s and 1.2 goals a game. His team is winning and we’ve got him locked in for three 3 vote games and polling 4.5 in the other two. He’s going to take some catching on this form.

Western Bulldogs 87 v North Melbourne 38 – Marvel Stadium

Their swagger is back. Took them a few rounds to find it but the Dogs are well and truly back in the finals race. Tim English backed up with another strong performance (22 touches) but with six goals, Josh Bruce should poll the three.

Fremantle 54 v Adelaide 34 – Metricon Stadium

Who doesn’t love David Mundy. Arguably one of the most underrated careers of recent memory, he gives 100% every week and without Fyfe, took the lead role in the midfield to be best afield. With 25 touches and six clearances his game looked slightly more eye-catching than Andrew Brayshaw’s 23 touches and 8 marks.

Richmond 79 v Melbourne 52 – MCG

2018 was the outlier. Case closed. The Dees are 6 wins and 22 losses since winning back to back finals and all they’ve got going for them is the ability to play another team back into form. This week it was the Tigers turn. Despite some late injuries, the defending premiers looked unchallenged all day and with a 3 goal/ 27 disposal game, Kane Lambert polls the three.

GWS 83 v Hawthorn 49 – Giants Stadium

Beware the sleeping Giants. Two on the trot and with a conversion rate of 72% of I50s hitting the scoreboard, they’re extremely dangerous. When up and running they’re also difficult to allocate votes for. Nick Haynes was superb down back, taking 11 marks and finishing with 21 disposals but you cant ignore the contributions of Josh Kelly (30 disposals), Harry Perryman (28 disposals) and Lachie Whitfield (28 disposals) either. A tough one.

Western Bulldogs 67 v Sydney 39 – SCG

The Bont was the man for the big moment on Thursday night. In an inspired performance, and arguably his best as captain, the gun midfielder carried his side to victory with two crucial goals amongst 19 quality touches to be best afield in a big away win for his club.

GWS 66 v Collingwood 64 – Giants Stadium

A bit of a deja vu in this one with a similar result. Like the prelim, the Giants held on under immense pressure leaving the Pies with plenty of questions to answer. Pendles was the standout for us but we’re hesitant to give him the three votes in a losing game. With 19 touches and three goals, Toby Greene deserves to edge him out but will the Umpires see it that way?

Port Adelaide 89 v West Coast 41 – Metricon Stadium

Port Adelaide have never lost when Charlie Dixon kicks 4 goals or more. He kicked 6.2 and is a moral for the three votes.

St Kilda 93 v Richmond 67 – Marvel Stadium

If you get the 3/2/1 right in this one you’ve done well. In what looks an impossible game to allocate correctly we’re leaning towards Rowan Marshall’s two goal, 15 possession, (10 contested) and 25 hitout game. The acquisition of Paddy Ryder in the off-season surprised many but with his late withdrawal, Marshall relished the opportunity to play ruck one-out and looked the most influential.

Carlton 52 v Essendon 51 – MCG

Sam Docherty could well be the difference between Carlton having a 2-2 record compared to 0-4. Stood up when counted and with 29 of his 32 disposals considered effective, he was the standout in the nail-biting win.

Gold Coast 64 v Fremantle 51 – Metricon Stadium

He’s played just 4 games but Matt Rowell is currently the 4th favourite to win the Brownlow. Let that sink in.

Brisbane 83 v Adelaide 46 – Gabba

Lachie Neale anytime goalscorer backers in a coma. 0.6 is a bad beat. Lachie Neale Brownlow backers however are daring to dream. With another 31 disposal game he’s the leader after 4 rounds.

Geelong 47 v Fremantle 44 – MCG

If this one had a crowd, I wonder how many would have gone home at H/T? We’re getting some stinkers this year and the first half of this one surely takes the cake. To top it off it looks a lottery allocating the votes. With a goal each and 46 touches between them, Danger & Cam Guthrie look the most likely.

Hawthorn 58 v North Melbourne 54 – Marvel Stadium

Chad Wingard has kicked 3+ goals five times since 2017. Three of those have come in the first four rounds of this year. We’ve got him 3rd behind Neale & Rowell. Fair start to the season from the ex-Power star.

Hawthorn 71 v Richmond 39 – MCG

Ahhh to be a Hawks supporter. It’s been an arduous re-build for the once mighty club. One entire week to be precise, but they’ve come out of the slump looking like world-beaters. The unsociable Hawks are back and there’s none more unsociable than James Sicily. Racking up 23 disposals at 87% disposal efficiency with 6 intercepts, the much-maligned defender looked a class above all night and should find himself with a vote in what looks a difficult game to allocate.

Western Bulldogs 57 v GWS 33 – Marvel Stadium

With the obvious drop in revenue streams this year, you bet the AFL are hoping for a GWS v WBD final. The fines they receive from this matchup might just make it a profitable year. Fines aside though, it was a lopsided affair all night against an all too familiar injury-plagued Giants. Jack Macrae (25 disposals, seven tackles) racked them up at will and should poll well in what was a crucial win for the Dogs finals prospects.

Sydney 71 v North Melbourne 60 – Marvel Stadium

The so-called AFL pundits out there had the Kangas as genuine contenders last week. Hearing crickets now. 11 points was flattering to them; outclassed from qtr time onwards. Difficult one to allocate but hard to look past the Swans usual suspects. Josh Kennedy (22 disposals, six clearances), Luke Parker (19 disposals, five clearances) & Isaac Heeney (18 disposals, one goal) should poll the 3/2/1.

Collingwood 81 v St Kilda 37 – MCG

Another hype-team out of Rnd 2 were the mighty Saints. Now somewhere on the ocean floor after going down like a lead balloon. Outclassed all day by a Collingwood team that is rightfully premiership favourite. The Pies look slick and there’s no one slicker than the classy Steele Sidebottom. His 126 Fantasy points would equate to 157.5 under the regular format and is the obvious choice for 3 votes.

Carlton 79 v Geelong 77 – GMHBA

Maybe Clarko was right? The Cats aren’t that good. It’s been 4 years since the Blues kicked nine goals in the first half and they managed to do so at GMHBA with shortened quarters. Work that out! Was great seeing Eddie do his thing ( two goals/ seven score involvements from 12 disposals) but hard to go past Brownlow fav P.Cripps who kicked two crucial goals and collected a team high 24 touches to lead his team to their first win of the season.

Brisbane 74 v West Coast 44 – Gabba

Lachie Neale is on a tear and looks the obvious leader in the count after three rounds. With SC scores of 157, 171 & 164 there’s a chance his collected 9 votes after 3 games.

Gold Coast 82 v Adelaide 29 – Metricon Stadium

Fair play to the Crows. They’ve managed to create the blueprint on how to totally ruin a football club within the space of three years. They’re officially cooked while the Suns are just heating up. Hard not to be excited about their list and especially so, their #1 pick.

Money is coming in thick and fast for him to pull off the unthinkable….. winning the Brownlow. He laid more tackles than the Crouch brothers and Rory Sloane combined whilst kicking two goals and collecting 20 disposals in a 53-point thumping. He’s odds on to collect his 2nd three vote game in only his 3rd AFL game.

Port Adelaide 70 v Fremantle 41 – Metricon Stadium

Once again… where do you fit Nat Fyfe? 23 disposals (17 contested), 6 score involvements, 1 goal and a game high 166 SC points has him polling, it’s just a matter of where? We’ve landed on two.

Collingwood 36 v Richmond 36 – MCG

Footy…is…back! Not the greatest of spectacles to get us started but when the alternative is Escape to the Chateau, give us a lacklustre draw any day. In what seems a fitting result in this unique, COVID-impacted season, the Pies somehow held on for a draw despite not kicking a goal for 67 consecutive minutes. Without a lean to a winning side, it was Pendles’ game high 31 disposals and insanely smooth moving that was the standout game for us.

Geelong 108 v Hawthorn 34 – GMHBA

A 3 month hiatus rolling into shortened quarters may just be a blessing in disguise for the ageing Cats. With a combined 49 disposals and 3 goals, Joel Selwood and Gary Ablett looked sharp all day, relishing the 16 minute quarters under the new format. With home games to be played predominantly at GMHBA Stadium as well, the Cats become an interesting prospect for futures bets.

Brisbane 81 v Fremantle 69 – Gabba

Warning. Nat Fyfe once again put his team on his shoulders, kicking 3 goals and collecting 24 disposals in a losing game. Allocate votes with caution.

Carlton 53 v Melbourne 54 – Marvel Stadium

Titus O’Reily said it best, ‘Both these teams wanted to celebrate the return of football in their traditional way, torturing their fans.’ And that they did. The Dees hung on in not so convincing fashion with the ever-improving Petracca playing a pivotal role in what would have been a massive sweat for their long suffering fans.

Gold Coast 90 v West Coast 46 – Metricon Stadium

Has there been a better 2nd game of AFL football than Matt Rowell’s? 26 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 11 ground balls, 7 tackles, 2 goals and 171 SC points is a 3 vote game any day of the week.

Port Adelaide 110 v Adelaide 35 – Adelaide Oval

Early days but 2020 is already looking grim for Adelaide. For Port Adelaide however, we continue to see the form that’s had them sitting on top of the ladder for 3 months. An exciting brand of football with none more exciting than Connor Rozee. The young gun may just pip the Showdown medallist Travis Boak with his eye-catching 8 clearances/ 17 disposal game.

GWS 60 v North Melbourne 80 – Giants Stadium

Yeah, Kangaroos winning was impressive but has anyone ever seen a player shake a Matt De Boer tag like Shaun Higgins? The star midfielder amassed an impressive 28 disposals, six clearances against the games best tagger to be the most influential player in what was a stunning win for the Kangas.

Sydney 73 v Essendon 79 – SCG

How many beers were had with the Kangas on the flight back? The Dons hung on to record their first win at the SCG for 11 years thanks to another Zach Merrett masterclass that proved the difference. With 29 disposals and a goal, the classy midfielder should land the 3 votes whenever that vote count may be.

St Kilda 88 v Western Bulldogs 49 – Marvel Stadium

Too early for panic stations? One of the pre-season hype teams sits dead last with a combined losing deficit of 91 points. The Dogs are without a bite in a season where you’re allowed little margin for error.

They need a win bad, while the Saints should be extending the contract’s of their recruitment department if Sunday’s game is anything to go by. All of a sudden they had speed to burn and there was no quicker than ex-Swan Zac Jones. The speedster impressed with 29 disposals and a goal and looked best on ground all day.

Richmond 105 v Carlton 81 – MCG

For the traditionalists out there, the season opened as it should have. Carlton were sacrificed and supporters were seen walking away at halftime; albeit out of their own loungerooms. Cripps and Dusty will poll votes and the Tigers made it look easy. Standard season opener.

Collingwood 86 v Western Bulldogs 34 – Marvel Stadium

One week in and the Bulldogs hype-train has lost most of its passengers. Brodie Grundy manhandled Tim English the entire night to be best on ground with 37 hitouts, one goal, and 19 disposals, reminding us that the Pies will be a force once again.

Essendon 63 v Fremantle 57 – Marvel Stadium

Essendon fans rejoice! September football beckons. Every club, of course, is in the same boat, but regardless, the lid’s off. Dylan Shiel amassed an impressive 35 disposals in the new shortened format in what was a clear best on ground display.

Gold Coast 29 v Port Adelaide 76 – Metricon Stadium

One for the purists. Without Travis Boak and a few support acts there wasn’t a lot of content we could use from this one. 25 Disposals (76% Disposal efficiency), 7 Clearances, 6 Score Involvements and 425 Metres Gained looks enough for the ex-Port skipper to poll the 3.

Adelaide 71 v Sydney 74 – Adelaide Oval

New coach, same problems. Despite a last-minute shot to win it, the Crows looked flat and without any run. Outplayed from quarter time onwards, the Isaac Heeney-led Swans were a class above with the smooth moving forward kicking four goals and amassing a massive 152 SC points from just 16 touches.

GWS 105 v Geelong 73 – Spotless Stadium

Always depleted, GWS continue to prove they have the depth to plug the holes. If any team is going to benefit from this brief hiatus from matchplay, it’s the team from NSW. Harry Perryman and Toby Greene kicked 8 between them in what was a comfortable round 1 win, but add a Taranto and Callan Ward to this side and the future looks bright.

North Melbourne 56 v St Kilda 54 – Marvel Stadium

Even in these bizarre times, some things will never change. St Kilda blowing a match-winning lead is one of them. A 31 point lead against an injury-depleted Kangaroos wasn’t enough against the courageous shinboners; and there was no more courageous than Ben Cunnington. Carrying the midfield on his back, the underrated Cunnington collected 25 Disposals, 4 Marks, 7 Tackles & 2 Goals in a match-winning performance.

Hawthorn 90 v Brisbane 62 – MCG

Chad Wingard carried his late 2019 season form into the new campaign. Picking up from where he left off last year, the classy forward looked fit and ready for a season with more midfield time. Hawks fans will be hoping that his 20 disposals and 3 goals is just a small snapshot of what he’ll deliver on a consistent basis when play resumes.

West Coast 78 v Melbourne 51 – Optus Stadium

The noise of affirmation wasn’t required. West Coast are just a better side than the Dees who looked no different to their 17th-placed 2019 team. Despite a gallant display by Jack Viney (34 disposals/ 1 goal), the game was won in the midfield for the Eagles. Andrew Gaff (30 possessions), and Luke Shuey (27 and five clearances) looked standouts in what was the last game we’ll see for quite some time. Dark days.