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The 2013 AFL season has been a whirlwind for fans, players and just about everyone involved at the highest level.
We’ve had the supplements saga at Essendon, a finals series at Punt Road, the rise of Fremantle as a genuine premiership threat and of course the trade rumour mill now in full swing with big names being thrown up left, right and centre as possible trade targets.
There is one night on the football calendar though, that always shines through as the codes most prestigious and glamorous – the Brownlow Medal.
On Monday night we will bestow another player with the game’s highest honour, possibly for a second time.
Let’s take a look at the top five contenders and why they are the ones to watch.
Gary Ablett
It seems as though the little master has a reserved seat at this time of year and there is very good reason for that.
He is without doubt the best player in the game and has been for a long time.
Looking at his numbers this year in particular, it’s easy to see why he is at the top of most betting agencies when it comes to taking home a second Brownlow.
He collected over 30 possessions a lazy 13 times and when the Suns needed a lift in big games he was the one that stepped up.
His performances in wins over St Kilda, Collingwood and North Melbourne have three votes written all over them, not to mention averaging the most Champion Data points per game once again.
Disposals: 655 (average 31.2)
Goals: 28 (average 1.3)
Champion Data points: 2706 (average 128.9)
Scott Pendlebury
Described in media circles as the Rolls Royce of the competition, Pendlebury would sit very comfortably with a Brownlow around his neck in recognition of his magnificent season.
An ultra-consistent player, there are few players in the history of the game that seem to have as much time as the Pies’ centreman.
It is one thing to be able to win your own ball, it is another entirely to dispose of it cleanly and effectively.
Pendlebury does this with consummate ease every week. The Norm Smith Medallist from 2010 has had another fine year and could easily find himself with a Brownlow to add to his trophy cabinet.
Disposals: 664 (30.2)
Effective disposals: 511 (23.2)
Champion Data points: 2786 (126.6)
Joel Selwood
Recently named captain of the All-Australian team, Selwood is the heart and soul of one of the most successful teams in AFL history.
That says a lot about how he goes about his football. Hard, tough, skilful and brilliant, the youngest of the four brothers is far and away the best and his 2013 season has been no different.
His second half of the season in particular has been remarkable, with nine Champion Data scores over 130 in the bank.
This doesn’t necessarily translate into Brownlow votes, but his grunt at the coalface is where he does his best work and is also right in front of the umpire’s nose.
He is a genuine chance come Monday night.
Disposals: 544 (24.7)
Frees for: 62 (2.8, first in the AFL)
Champion Data points: 2605 (118.4)
Sam Mitchell
When he gave the captaincy to Luke Hodge at the end of 2010, it was hoped by the Hawthorn faithful this would elevate Mitchell to another level. He certainly has done that.
A proven vote-getter, the extractor has had a fantastic season in his new role off half-back claiming his second spot in the All Australian Team.
After a third-place Brownlow finish in 2007 and second-place finishes in 2011 and 2012, could this be Mitchell’s year?
Disposals: 594 (28.3)
Handballs: 268 (12.8)
Champion Data points: 2188 (104.2)
Dane Swan
With so much attention being paid to his plethora of tattoos and bad boy image, it can be easy to forget just how good a footballer this bloke is.
A Brownlow Medallist, three-time Copeland Trophy winner and five time All-Australian, Swan has a glittering CV.
His ability to break away from packs with a burst and hurt the opposition, as well as his gut running are hallmarks of his game.
You only have to look at his record 34 votes in 2011 as evidence that the umpires recognize his impact.
He perhaps hasn’t had as dominant a year in 2013 and will face stiff competition for votes from his other midfield maestro Pendlebury, but should still be thereabouts at the business end.
Disposals: 695 (31.6, first in the AFL)
Kicks: 421 (19.1, first in the AFL)
Champion Data points: 2580 (117.3)
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.