CONSECUTIVE best on ground efforts have catapulted Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield to the runaway lead of the AFL.com.au Brownlow Medal predictor.
Dangerfield put on virtuoso performances in consecutive weeks against premiership aspirants North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs to help drive the Cats to the top of the ladder.
Just a fortnight ago, 15 players had a share of top position or were within three votes of being in the No. 1 spot.
Now, after 13 rounds, Dangerfield sits on 18 votes, ahead of teammate Joel Selwood and Sydney Swan Luke Parker in equal second place with 14.
• Who's leading your club's count? Check out AFL.com.au's Brownlow predictor
Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn and West Coast midfielder Luke Shuey share fourth place with a tally of 13.
Dangerfield's latest outing against the Dogs on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium saw him collect 37 disposals, 12 inside-50s and two goals.
"It would be a nice thing to have that sort of speed and just know that when you take off, not many can go with you," Cats coach Chris Scott said of Dangerfield after the match.
It came off the back of a 48-disposal and two-goal game against the Kangaroos.
The 26-year-old has a clear lead despite a quiet four-week patch by his high standards from round eight during which he didn't poll a vote.
Dangerfield was CrownBet's favourite to win the award at $2.25 on Monday morning, after starting the season at $9.
Selwood and Swan Daniel Hannebery were on the second line of betting at $7, with Parker at $15.
The bookmaker moved Dangerfield into favouritism after his brilliant Geelong debut against Hawthorn on Easter Monday in round one, a mantle he has not given up since.
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