With just three rounds to go, the competition for the Coleman medal is as fierce as it has been for several seasons. Four players sit within three goals, while a couple more are lurking close behind.
Sure, it’s not a like classic Coleman race of years gone by when the season would have Tony Lockett, Gary Ablett Snr. and Jason Dunstall going for it, (or even in ’08 when Lance Franklin and Brendan Fevola had a shootout for 100 goals) and it does make you shudder to know that the Coleman medallist, again, is going to win it on less than 70 goals.
Still, a winner needs to be found, and there are four players who are the frontrunners at this stage, plus couple of dark horses who could crash the party.
Lets have a quick analysis of the field
The Front Runners
1. Jarryd Roughead (55 goals)
The current leader. He has come into some good form in the past weeks, and kicked five goals against Melbourne to move into front spot.
He would be the odds-on favourite if not for the fact that he will be reading a good book at the same time his mates are hopping on a plane to Perth after being reported for tripping Melbourne’s Dom Tyson.
In a race this tight, that could be a costly missed game. He will finish off with games against the Cats and the Magpies, so no easy goals will be found for him there. Still, he holds a couple of aces with a two goal lead… for now
Chance for the Coleman: 7/10
2. Jay Schulz (53 goals)
The former leader. The man who after half way many thought he was going to push on. He was the most accurate in the competition for the first half of the season, but rather reflective of his teams fortunes of late, he has gone cold of late.
He went goalless on the weekend against the swans (obviously leaving his goal kicking boots in the sheds for his behind boots).
He appears to be fading fast, but unlike Roughhead, should play all three remaining games. He needs to cash in against a Ablett-less Suns and the Blues as Goals will be hard to come by against Fremantle.
Chance for the Coleman: 6/10
3. Lance Franklin (52 goals)
A shocking start to the year meant Buddy has had to play catch up. But his form has been terrific for the past ten weeks and he is now well and truly in the hunt.
He would arguably be in the lead if he didn’t have to sit out the game against the Bombers. Still, he is pencilled in to play the next three games and of the front runners has the easiest draw.
Expect him to cash in against the Saints and the Bulldogs. He might struggle against the Tigers at ANZ, but he really must be considered the favourite now. For his sake, he will want to keep the behind boots in the sheds.
Chance for the Coleman: 9/10
4. Tom Hawkins (52 goals)
Always lurking, but a man who can be a bit too hot and cold for bona fide favouritism.
Three goals behind Roughead, and has an alright draw on the run home.
He should find goals against the Blues and the Lions, and has good form against the Hawks. Don’t discount this man, but might just be shading Buddy for 2014.
Chance for the Coleman: 8/10
The Dark Horses
Jack Riewoldt (48 goals)
Seven goals behind, but with some games that he’ll be competitive in.
Normally, you’d say he is too far behind to be included, but he is the type of guy who can pull eight goals out of his pocket to bring himself right up in contention.
Probably has left his run too late though.
Chance for the Coleman: 6.5/10
Josh Kennedy (46 goals)
Again, the same as Riewoldt. Nine goals behind is a bit of an ask. Though stranger things have happened…
Chance for the Coleman: 6/10
My tip: Buddy should get it, and finish with 68 goals. A fair way short of the glory days.
Who is your tip to take home the 2014 Coleman Medal?
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