550 games and change - Is time up for Andrew Gaff and Jack Darling?
When West Coast picked up Andrew Gaff and Jack Darling in the 2010 draft, the Eagles would’ve been chuffed if both players went on…
Opinion
This is who dominated my Brownlow count after another week of AFL action.
Carlton beat Gold Coast
3. Patrick Cripps
2. Marc Murphy
1. Jack Martin
Cripps hasn’t been at his best in 2020, but could rise up the rankings if Carlton continue their good form. Murphy and Martin were impressive in the forward half.
Western Bulldogs beat Melbourne
3. Marcus Bontempelli
2. Mitch Wallis
1. Bailey Smith
Bontempelli broke the game open in the third quarter, leading the Doggies to victory. Wallis was a deadeye in front of goal, while Smith and fellow midfielders Jack Macrae and Tom Liberatore are all contenders for votes.
Port Adelaide beat Hawthorn
3. Travis Boak
2. Zak Butters
1. Tom Rockliff
Boak had another big game, and could be Lachie Neale’s biggest competitor. Butters sliced through to kick the sealer and Rockliff won plenty of the ball.
Richmond beat Essendon
3. Dustin Martin
2. Shai Bolton
1. Zach Merrett
Martin is making a run for the top three, dominating in a more permanent midfield role. Bolton continues to impress with his ability to burst out of stoppages, while Merrett was Essendon’s best.
Fremantle beat Sydney
3. Luke Ryan
2. Andrew Brayshaw
1. David Mundy
Ryan is in fine fettle, playing two impeccable intercepting games in a row. The young and the old filled key midfield roles as Brayshaw and Mundy contend for the two votes.
Geelong beat Adelaide
3. Cam Guthrie
2. Patrick Dangerfield
1. Mitch Duncan
Guthrie is another chance for top three overall, receiving all ten coaches votes on this occasion. Dangerfield was Geelong’s most contested midfielder. Duncan kicked two junk-time goals but should just sneak into the votes ahead of Rory Laird.
Brisbane beat St Kilda
3. Jack Steele
2. Jarrod Berry
1. Harris Andrews
Steele was huge, almost carrying his side over the line. Berry and Andrews were Brisbane’s best at either end. Berry slotted two magnificent goals, while Andrews was their saviour in the last quarter.
West Coast beat GWS
3. Jeremy McGovern
2. Nic Naitanui
1. Josh Kelly
Naitanui’s first half could only be matched by an amazing second half and McGovern duly provided. Naitanui’s clearance work and McGovern’s reading of the flight of the ball were both superb. Kelly fought hard for the Giants.
Collingwood beat North Melbourne
3. Scott Pendlebury
2. Taylor Adams
1. Brayden Maynard
Pendlebury danced around the Kangas’ midfield with ease, while Adams broke the game open with a fantastic long goal when the game was flat in the second quarter. Maynard just beats Steele Sidebottom for a vote.