2015 saw the rise and rise of Fremantle’s Nat Fyfe ($6) and he ended it with a thoroughly deserved Brownlow Medal hanging around his neck. But can the hugely popular midfielder achieve the rare feat of going back-to-back? This looked in doubt at stages during the pre-season with concerns over a back injury, but he appeared to do as he pleased during his NAB Challenge appearances. The Dockers coaching staff, led by the meticulous Ross Lyon, are a conservative outfit and will take no unnecessary risks with Fyfe should his injury flare up. But for now, it is hard to see a decline in Fyfe’s performances and he has a great polling history in the Brownlow.
All eyes will be on the Gold Coast Suns and how the little master Gary Ablett ($6) responds after what must have been a very frustrating 2015. He copped undue criticism from all directions last year, starting with his inability to play through pain and later questions marks over his leadership qualities. But you cannot keep a champion down, and Ablett seems to me like the type of person that would love nothing more than to serve some humble pie to all the doubters. He turns 32 during the year, so while he is no spring chicken, expect him to be right up there during this year’s medal count.
The AFL’s highest profile recruit Paddy Dangerfield ($10) has enjoyed a terrific polling history in recent years and should get plenty of attention from the umpires while wearing the blue and white hoops. Dangerfield looked spectacular during his NAB Challenge games and could form a dominant midfield partnership with fellow Brownlow contender Joel Selwood ($16).
Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin ($21) always polls well and will have plenty of motivation to prove the critics wrong after a disappointing end to his season last year. Cotchin was held to just nine possessions after a brilliant tagging performance by North Melbourne’s Ben Jacobs in last season’s elimination final.
Every year there is a bolter amongst the candidates – a young player that goes from being spoken of as a future champion to an out-and-out top line player. Western Bulldogs’ Marcus Bontempelli ($26) could take that step up in 2016. The Dogs look to be on the up with such a young and exciting list and there is no doubt the “Bont” will have a huge say in this. Dustin Martin ($26) has had a tumultuous off-season but he is a player that usually lets his football do the talking. He polled 21 votes last season and an added consistency to his game could see him poll that extra couple needed to claim the award.
2016 Brownlow Market (as of 10:30am 22 March)
Ablett, Gary (GC) 6.00
Fyfe, Nathan (Fre) 6.00
Priddis, Matt (WCE) 8.00
Dangerfield, Patrick (Gee) 10.00
Mitchell, Sam (Haw) 10.00
Hannebery, Daniel (Syd) 12.00
Kennedy, Josh (Syd) 16.00
Selwood, Joel (Gee) 16.00
Pendlebury, Scott (Col) 19.00
Rockliff, Tom (Bris) 20
Click here to view the full Brownlow Medal market.
