3 minute read
A rundown of the contenders for the 2020 Brownlow Medal, AFL's top individual honour.
GUIDE TO THE BROWNLOW MEDAL CONTENDERS
FAVOURITES
Lachie Neale (Brisbane Lions): The star midfielder has taken his game to new heights in his second season with the Lions after finishing third in last year's count. The former Fremantle onballer feared the 2020 campaign's shorter quarters might negatively impact his influence, but with only two games collecting less than 20 possessions, Neale is the hottest of favourites. ODDS: $1.25
Travis Boak (Port Adelaide): The former Port captain put together his most consistent season as the Power finished on top of the ladder for the first time since 2004. Aged 32, Boak will become the oldest winner of 'Charlie' if he upsets Neale, surpassing South Melbourne's Barry Round, who was 31 years, 238 days when he won the award in 1981. ODDS: $7
Christian Petracca (Melbourne): A breakout season for the former No.1 draft pick. The Demons missed finals, but they would not have got as close as they did without Petracca. Ran hot during the middle of the season, including a certain three-vote performance against St Kilda in round 14. ODDS: $8
Jack Steele (St Kilda): Stamped his mark as one of the game's best midfielders this year, graduating from tagger to All-Australian clearance king. Should poll well, but will a lack of profile before this season count against him? ODDS: $13
Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong): Not quite the best season of his glittering career, but it was still typically impressive. The All-Australian captain, Dangerfield will not poll well early, but will come home strong. Round 14 (32 possessions) and round 18 (four goals, 19 possessions) shape as guaranteed three-vote matches. ODDS: $21
Dustin Martin (Richmond): The Tigers megastar attracts attention wherever he goes. Some guaranteed three-vote games (rounds nine, 13 and 18), but may be a victim of his own high standards. A fair way off his all-conquering 2017 season. ODDS: $26