Auspicious AFL Awards: A comprehensive analysis of each team’s top Brownlow Medal contenders

Club-by-Club Guide: Every Team’s Best Brownlow Chance, Top Three

Introduction

The 2022 Brownlow Medal count is fast approaching, and fans around the country are eagerly anticipating which player will take home the prestigious award. As the pinnacle of individual recognition in the AFL, the Brownlow Medal is awarded to the player deemed the best and fairest in the league. In this comprehensive club-by-club guide, we will examine each team’s best chance of claiming the esteemed Charlie, as well as identify the top three contenders from each club.

Adelaide Crows

With a move into the midfield this season, Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson had a career-best year, showcasing his ability to find the footy and inflict damage in the forward half. Dawson is predicted to poll in six of his side’s first nine games, potentially putting him in contention at the campaign’s halfway point. However, a quieter end to the season could hamper his chances. Adelaide defender Mitch Hinge could also be a surprise one-vote wonder for his exceptional performance against Gold Coast in Round 21.

Best Chance: Jordan Dawson
One-Vote Wonder: Mitch Hinge

Brisbane Lions

Lachie Neale, the 2020 Brownlow Medal winner, is once again expected to be among the leading contenders this season. The Brisbane midfielder has polled more than 25 votes in three of his past four seasons and was the side’s best ball-winner this year. Jack Payne, a Brisbane defender, could potentially earn his first career Brownlow votes for his standout performance against Carlton in Round 8, where he kept Coleman Medal winner Charlie Curnow to just one goal.

Best Chance: Lachie Neale
One-Vote Wonder: Jack Payne

Carlton Blues

For Carlton, the back-to-back Coleman Medal winner Charlie Curnow is likely to be their best chance at claiming the Brownlow Medal. Curnow had a stellar season, kicking a career-high 78 goals and having numerous standout performances with five or more majors. Another Blues player to watch out for is Jack Silvagni, who had an impressive outing against Port Adelaide in Round 18, playing as a makeshift ruck and kicking four goals.

Best Chance: Charlie Curnow
One-Vote Wonder: Jack Silvagni

Collingwood Magpies

In just his second year, midfielder Nick Daicos has already established himself as a standout talent for Collingwood. Daicos is predicted to be the runaway leader at round 18, but an untimely knee injury ruled him out of the season’s last three matches, which could affect his chances. Despite this setback, Daicos will surely be among the Brownlow favorites in the coming years. Jack Ginnivan is another player to keep an eye on for his impressive performance against Essendon in Round 24.

Best Chance: Nick Daicos
One-Vote Wonder: Jack Ginnivan

Essendon Bombers

Although Zach Merrett will likely score the most votes for the Essendon Bombers, he is ineligible due to suspension. This makes midfielder Darcy Parish their leading contender for the Brownlow Medal. Despite missing five matches due to a calf injury, Parish displayed exceptional consistency when on the field. In Round 1, Archie Perkins had a standout performance with three goals, two goal assists, and 10 score involvements, potentially earning him some rare Brownlow recognition.

Best Chance: Darcy Parish
One-Vote Wonder: Archie Perkins

Fremantle Dockers

With Caleb Serong ineligible due to suspension, Andrew Brayshaw is likely to be Fremantle’s best chance at claiming the Brownlow Medal. Brayshaw, a proven vote-winner from last season, enjoyed a strong finish to the campaign and should feature prominently in the votes during Fremantle’s 10 wins. In Round 3, Sam Switkowski had a stellar performance against West Coast, which could see him earn his first career Brownlow votes.

Best Chance: Andrew Brayshaw
One-Vote Wonder: Sam Switkowski

Geelong Cats

Geelong forward Jeremy Cameron is expected to be among the leading contenders for the Brownlow Medal. Cameron had a hot start to the season, kicking 33 goals in the side’s first eight games. He should feature prominently in the votes during that period, even though he had a quieter second half of the season. Another player to watch out for is Gary Rohan, who had a standout performance against Melbourne, kicking three goals and contributing to the team’s victory.

Best Chance: Jeremy Cameron
One-Vote Wonder: Gary Rohan

Gold Coast Suns

Midfielder Noah Anderson emerged as a standout performer for the Gold Coast Suns in the absence of skipper Touk Miller, who missed 10 weeks due to injury. Anderson’s consistent ball-winning ability should see him rewarded with a significant number of votes. In Round 18, Archie Perkins had a stellar performance against St Kilda, which could potentially earn him his first career Brownlow votes.

Best Chance: Noah Anderson
One-Vote Wonder: Archie Perkins

GWS Giants

GWS Giants captain Toby Greene enjoyed a career-best year, kicking 60 goals and showcasing his impact across the field. Greene is expected to be the Giants’ leading contender for the Brownlow Medal. Youngster Jake Riccardi could also be in line for his first career votes following an impressive performance against Fremantle.

Best Chance: Toby Greene
One-Vote Wonder: Jake Riccardi

Hawthorn Hawks

With captain James Sicily suspended, Hawthorn midfielder Jai Newcombe is likely to be the team’s leading contender for the Brownlow Medal. Newcombe had a breakout year, demonstrating his rugged clearance and contested work. In Round 13, Connor Macdonald had a standout performance against Brisbane, potentially earning him his first career votes.

Best Chance: Jai Newcombe
One-Vote Wonder: Connor Macdonald

Melbourne Demons

Melbourne midfielder Christian Petracca has established himself as one of the best in the competition, combining prolific ball-winning abilities with damage in the forward half. Petracca is expected to be among the leading contenders for the Brownlow Medal. In Round 7, Kade Chandler had a standout performance against North Melbourne, potentially earning him his first career votes.

Best Chance: Christian Petracca
One-Vote Wonder: Kade Chandler

North Melbourne Kangaroos

Although North Melbourne had a challenging season, midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke provided some rare highlights and is their best chance at claiming the Brownlow Medal. Davies-Uniacke had exceptional performances in both of the team’s first two victories, potentially giving him a head-start over his teammates. Jack Ziebell, a retiring North Melbourne favorite, had a standout performance against St Kilda, which could see him earn some votes in his last season.

Best Chance: Luke Davies-Uniacke
One-Vote Wonder: Jack Ziebell

Port Adelaide Power

Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters had a sublime patch of form midway through the season, making him a genuine contender for the Brownlow Medal. Butters is predicted to poll in eight consecutive games at one point, establishing him as the Power’s best chance. Willem Drew, a hard-nosed midfielder, had a standout performance against West Coast, potentially earning him his first Brownlow votes.

Best Chance: Zak Butters
One-Vote Wonder: Willem Drew

Richmond Tigers

Midfielder Tim Taranto, in his first season at Richmond, should be among the leading contenders for the Brownlow Medal. Taranto is predicted to poll in eight straight games at one stage of the campaign, but his overall performance throughout the season will be a factor in his chances. Jack Riewoldt, a retiring Richmond premiership player, had an impressive performance against GWS Giants, potentially adding to his career tally of 62 Brownlow votes.

Best Chance: Tim Taranto
One-Vote Wonder: Jack Riewoldt

St Kilda Saints

Jack Sinclair is expected to be St Kilda’s best chance at claiming the Brownlow Medal. Sinclair had a prolific season and should feature prominently in the votes during the team’s 13 wins. Another player to watch out for is Mitch Owens, who had a stellar performance against Gold Coast, potentially earning him his first career votes.

Best Chance: Jack Sinclair
One-Vote Wonder: Mitch Owens

Sydney Swans

Versatile youngster Errol Gulden had a breakout season for the Sydney Swans, proving to be a prolific ball-winner and goal kicker. Gulden’s strong end to the season should give him an outside chance of claiming the Brownlow Medal, particularly during the team’s improved second-half performance. In Round 2, Logan McDonald made a notable impact against Hawthorn, potentially earning him his first career Brownlow votes.

Best Chance: Errol Gulden
One-Vote Wonder: Logan McDonald

West Coast Eagles

Despite a disappointing season for West Coast, Tim Kelly still had a standout campaign in Eagles colors. Kelly’s consistent performances, particularly in the team’s three victories, should see him earn a significant number of votes. Jake Waterman, who had a notable performance against GWS Giants, is also a player to watch out for.

Best Chance: Tim Kelly
One-Vote Wonder: Jake Waterman

Western Bulldogs

Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli enhanced his reputation as the game’s best clearance player this season. Bontempelli’s standout year, combined with fewer teammates taking votes from him, should put him among the leading contenders for the Brownlow Medal. In Round 9, Ed Richards had an impressive outing against Carlton, potentially earning him his first career Brownlow votes.

Best Chance: Marcus Bontempelli
One-Vote Wonder: Ed Richards

Conclusion

As the excitement builds leading up to the 2022 Brownlow Medal count, each club has their own best chance at claiming the prestigious award. From seasoned veterans to breakout stars, there are numerous players who have made their mark throughout the season and are likely to feature prominently in the votes. Whether it’s the proven vote-winners or the potential surprise vote-getters, the race for the Brownlow Medal promises to be an enthralling spectacle that will captivate AFL fans nationwide.