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Patrick Dangerfield may have only changed the colour of the stripes on his jumper this year, but his level of footy has been taken to another level of sheer brilliance.
His formidable presence in the Geelong midfield has been crucial at countless times during the year, which has earned him the respect of the competition’s most elite and experienced midfielders.
But the question will continue to linger – can anyone get remotely close to Dangerfield?
Dustin Martin is a player that has been pushing his case for a hot run in this year’s Brownlow count, despite another rollercoaster ride for Richmond this year.
The hard-nut midfielder has had a huge impact in the middle of the ground for the Tiges, and he has also provided essential bursts of acceleration in the depths of the fifties at both ends of the ground.
The 25-year-old is averaging an astonishing 30.7 disposals this year and has complemented this with his manic tackling and sheer strength in the depths of the contest, outlining his case for an elevation up the end-of-year count.
Teammate Alex Rance has also been showing incredible signs of work ethic, footy smarts and an innate ability to read the play.
Rance has intimidated opponents with his never-say-die attitude and remarkable capacity to attack the contest in the defensive fifty, averaging 7.8 marks per game and accumulating a mass of best-on-ground performances throughout the year.
This has undoubtedly been a career-best year for the 27-year-old, as he has paved the way for defenders to make their way back into the top end of the Brownlow count.
From playing alongside him for many years as a Crow to now toeing the line against him this year, one of Patrick Dangerfield’s biggest rivals for the Brownlow is Crow, Rory Sloane.
Sloane has been on the rise ever since his debut in 2009, as he has added strength, pace and outrageous intensity to his style of play.
The 26-year-old is ranked second in total tackles, amassing 135 for the year and thus, exemplifying his status as one of the toughest players in the AFL.
Tom Lynch has had a stellar year for the Suns, as he has not only racked up the goals but has also demonstrated his incredible leadership qualities both on and off the field.
Lynch has booted 61 goals thus far, and sits comfortably in equal second place in the race for the Coleman medal, sharing his status with Sydney’s Lance Franklin.
At just 24 years of age, Tom Lynch is already an elite forward, with an incredible 71.8 per cent efficiency rate in front of goal, placing his name among the Brownlow contenders for year 2016.
Sam Mitchell is a man that isn’t unfamiliar with being in top contention for the Brownlow.
His gutsy determination and ability to find the ball in the toughest circumstances are factors that place him in the elite category of AFL midfielders.
Mitchell has contributed heavily in what has been another solid year for the Hawks, adding a new dimension of run and experience to the midfield.
His average of 29.9 disposals at 33 years of age suggests that he has plenty of sheer skill and talent to unleash in the years to come.
Of course, we can’t forget about Sydney’s ‘big three’ in Josh Kennedy, Daniel Hannebury and Luke Parker.
The hard style of play shared between these three is highly commended, as they’ve been the source of Sydney’s dominance over the course of the year and will give punters a run for their money in this year’s Brownlow count.
It’s hard to split these three bona-fide contenders, but one thing that we can be sure of is that the Swans’ trophy cabinet will soon play host to a Brownlow from Kennedy, Parker or Hannebury in the years to come.
This year’s Brownlow may be Patrick Dangerfield’s for the taking, but the margin could be much slimmer than predicted, as the performances of these elite payers across the competition are proving their case for a shake-up of the end-of-year tally.
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