Who’s going to win the Norm Smith Medal in the 2018 AFL Grand Final between the West Coast Eagles and Collingwood Magpies? Here’s the favourites, the smokies, and our prediction.
Steele Sidebottom – $8
After a stunning 41-possession game against Richmond last week, it’s no surprise that Sidebottom comes in as the hot favourite. You’d reckon he gets a lot of attention from Mark Hutchings this week.
More AFL Grand Final
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» Match Report: Eagles premiers in an instant classic
» Five talking points from the match
» WATCH: Video highlights from the match
» West Coast Eagles player ratings
» Collingwood Magpies player ratings
» Best and funnies tweets of the grand final
Brodie Grundy – $10
Didn’t get his due in the Brownlow Medal count but it’s not the umpires who decide this one. Up against a fairly so-so ruck duo of Scott Lycett and Nathan Vardy, he’s a good shout.
Elliot Yeo – $11
Has had an underrated season in a lot of respects – certainly should’ve been All Australian, arguably should’ve gotten more Brownlow (or is it BrownYeo?) love.
Adam Treloar – $11
The kind of player that people love to give medals to, but this isn’t good value for him. He’s been a little underdone in his return so far and seems unlikely to radically fix that.
Scott Pendlebury – $12
If Sidebottom cops more of a hard tag, does that mean Pendles gets off the leash and has a match-winning performance? Every chance.
Josh J Kennedy – $12
Even when totally dominant last week, Collingwood’s small backline still allowed a tall forward in Jack Riewoldt to kick a bag of five. How big can Kennedy go?
Jordan De Goey – $14
Voters love a redemption story and from De Goey to go from rock bottom at the start of the year to Norm Smith medallist is the sort of thing they’ll look for reasons to vote for.
Taylor Adams – $16
Really strong finals series so far and loves to stand up in big games. A genuine chance for the medal, no doubt.
Jack Darling – $21
Exact same logic as Josh Kennedy, it could be either one of them – or both! – who turns the game on its head with a big bag.
Dom Sheed – $34
He’s been really strong since Andrew Gaff went out of the side and could be the one to play out of his skin on grand final day.
Will Hoskin-Elliott – $51
So much potential to be a dominant match-winner when he puts it all together. Grand final day would be the perfect time to show us his final form.
Chris Mayne – $81
Hahaha no just kidding you. He’s become a surprisingly handy player at the Pies but he ain’t winning the Norm Smith. The Matt Spangher Joke Bet of 2018.
You’ve got to like the chances of Josh J Kennedy kicking a bag against whatever poor soul Collingwood send to him on Saturday – though Jack Darling is arguably a higher-value shout for the same reasons.
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