ADELAIDE
Who’s invited:Mark Ricciuto, Simon Goodwin, Andrew McLeod, Ben Rutten, Scott Thompson
2007 All-Australians:Andrew McLeod
Betting: AndrewMcLeod 23, Simon Goodwin 151, Scott Thompson 331
Ineligible:Nathan Bock
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Tyson Edwards (12)
Past winners:Mark Ricciuto (2003 tied)
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
Andrew McLeod regularly polls well for the Crows and he’ll lead the wayagain this year. The club’s only Brownlow Medallist Mark Ricciuto attractedplenty of votes in his time but was severely restricted by injury in his finalseason and won’t figure. Midfield ball magnets Simon Goodwin and Tyson Edwardswill also feature prominently. The experienced trio appears to carry the club’schances.
Andrew McLeod
The 31-year-old had another outstanding season culminating in his inclusionin the All-Australian team for the fifth time with the added honour of beingnamed captain. McLeod played all 22 games for the Crows and had a majorinfluence on the outcome of at least half a dozen of them, making him a chanceto grab the three votes on offer each time. Even when not on fire for a wholematch, he is the sort of player capable of catching the umpires’ eyes with afew inspired pieces of play.
Simon Goodwin
The three-time best and fairest winner and four-time All-Australian missedtwo games through injury and sat out most of another couple after getting hurtearly. That will harm his chances. He gathered 30 possessions or more on sevenoccasions right under the umpires’ noses and is sure to be one of his club’stop vote-getters. Was inspirational as stand-in skipper when he led his side toa gutsy round 18 win against Port Adelaide with 39 possessions.
Tyson Edwards
Appreciated by Crows fans from early on in his career for his tireless workin the engine room, Edwards has started to receive the national recognition hedeserves in recent times. He was his club’s top vote winner last year afterbeing right in the mix to win the big one the year before. Played all 22 gamesand had another consistent season with flashes of brilliance, but probablydidn’t turn enough games off his own boot to be a serious contender.
BRISBANE
Who’s invited: Jonathan Brown, Simon Black, Jed Adcock, Tim Notting, Luke Power
2007 All-Australians:Jonathan Brown
Betting: Jonathan Brown 11, Simon Black 71, Nigel Lappin 331
Ineligible: RhanHooper, Jason Roe
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Jonathan Brown (13)
Past winners: MichaelVoss (1996 tied), Jason Akermanis (2001), Simon Black (2002)
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
With only nine wins and two draws to their name, the Lionswon’t poll as many votes as a lot of other teams – especially between rounds7-13 when the team failed to win a match. A strong second half of the year willensure plenty of Lions are among the votes when their side got hot, but nonehotter than power forward JonathanBrown.
JonathanBrown
When Brown fires, the Lions generally win. The powerful forward played all22 matches this year, meaning he is a fair chance to poll in many of the ninematches his side won. He will fly home in the medal count, courtesy of 51 goalsin his last 10 games of the year. Brown also took 10 or more marks in ninematches. He is generally a standout when the Lions get the points.
Simon Black
Black quietly goes about his business getting the footy and frequentlyracks up big numbers. He was especially prolific early in the season and couldfind himself near the top of the leaderboard early in the count. The formerBrownlow Medallist is an obvious vote-catcher, and with 466 touches of theleather this season (and 91 tackles) he was in the thick of the action againthroughout 2007.
Jed Adcock
Adcock went from being a reliable defender in the first half of the seasonto a nuggety, hard-working onballer in the latter stages of 2007. Umpiresgenerally warm to blue-collar types who go and get the thing, and Adcock didthat a lot this year. The strongly-built youngster laid 109 tackles andgathered 455 disposals in a season that saw him become an integral part of theLions midfield.
CARLTON
Who’s invited: LanceWhitnall, Brad Fisher, Heath Scotland,Kade Simpson, Jarrad Waite
2007 All-Australians:None
Betting: AndrewCarrazzo 501, Brendan Fevola 501, Heath Scotland 1001
Ineligible: LanceWhitnall
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Heath Scotland(10)
Past winners: BertDeacon (1947), John James (1961), Gordon Collis (1964), Greg Williams (1994)
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
There were few players who were consistently good for theBlues in a forgettable year for the club. Andrew Carrazzo took out the JohnNicholls Medal as the club’s best and fairest, followed by Heath Scotlandand Jarrad Waite. That trio should also make up the top three in the club’sBrownlow vote-getter’s list.
Andrew Carrazzo
It says something about Carlton’sseason that Carrazzo is the club’s shortest-priced chance of taking out theBrownlow at $501. That should not be taken as a poor reflection on thedetermined 23-year-old, who played an entire season for the first time in his63-game career. A worthy John Nicholls Medallist, Carrazzo averaged 26 touchesper match with a season-high 38 against the Saints in round 17.
Heath Scotland
The 27-year-old was a prolific ball winner as another example of anonballer successfully converting to a “sweeper/quarterback” role in the backhalf. Scotlandaveraged 26 possessions and even burned the Demons for 41 touches in the lastgame of the year.
Jarrad Waite
Finally given a decent run with injury, Waite has developed his game to thepoint where he can be influential in contests at either end of the ground.Former coach Denis Pagan often wished he could split the tall and athleticWaite in two so he could play him at both ends at the same time. Played 22games and kicked 28 goals.
COLLINGWOOD
Who’s invited: NathanBuckley, Travis Cloke, Tarkyn Lockyer, Scott Pendlebury, Heath Shaw
2007 All-Australians:None
Betting: TarkynLockyer 151, Dane Swan 151, Heath Shaw 501
Ineligible: BenJohnson, Anthony Rocca
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Ben Johnson, Dane Swan (11)
Past winners: SydCoventry (1927), Albert Collier (1929), Harry Collier (1930 tied), MarcusWhelan (1939), Des Fothergill (1940 tied), Len Thompson (1972), Peter Moore(1979), Nathan Buckley (2003 tied)
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
The Magpies might have done well in the finals, but noamount of team success could get a Collingwood player named in the 40-manAll-Australian squad. Tarkyn Lockyer and Heath Shaw had consistent seasons andwere considered stiff to miss out, while Dane Swan has had an impressive year.Youngsters Scott Pendlebury and Travis Cloke are among the big improvers.
Tarkyn Lockyer
Lockyer has been the most consistent Magpie this year, playing every gameand averaging more than 22 disposals a match. He twice picked up 30-pluspossessions, and 11 times had more than 20. The quality of these possessionssaw him ranked as the third most effective kick in 22 rounds. Having finallyput some injury-ravaged years behind him, Lockyer entered this season with 58straight games under his belt, and upped his contribution to become one of themost reliable members of the side.
Dane Swan
Having turned his career around in 2006, Swan has taken perhaps an evenharder step this year by backing up that stunning season with anotherconsistent performance. He has provided powerful run through the midfield andgathered plenty of the ball to average nearly 24 possessions across the season.Often starting on the bench, Swan has provided the Pies with some speed andprecision through the middle. He also drifted forward to snare 13 goals for theyear.
Heath Shaw
The younger brother of Rhyce has played every game this season, and pickedup an average of more than 19 possessions a match playing off half-back. The21-year-old has provided the Pies with excellent rebound from defence allseason and is one of the side's harder players, exuding toughness and talentnearly every week. Shaw was fourth in the club's best and fairest last season,and looks set to improve on that standing this year.
ESSENDON
Who’s invited: MatthewLloyd, James Hird, Scott Lucas, Adam McPhee, Brent Stanton, Patrick Ryder
2007 All-Australians:Dustin Fletcher
Betting: JamesHird 501, Scott Lucas 751, Adam McPhee 1001
Ineligible: DustinFletcher, David Hille, Matthew Lloyd, Mark McVeigh, Andrew Welsh
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Scott Lucas, Brent Stanton (7)
Past winners: DickReynolds (1934, 37, 38), Bill Hutchison (1952 tied, 1953), Graham Moss (1976),Gavin Wanganeen (1993), James Hird (1996 tied)
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
It was a tumultuous year for the Dons, to say the least, andone that will be remembered for the extended farewell of Kevin Sheedy and JamesHird rather than the disappointing year the club posted on the field. ScottLucas was the side's leading goal-kicker, while Hird shone in his final seasonand Dustin Fletcher was named All-Australian for the second time. Paddy Ryderwas another shining light, while the ineligible Mark McVeigh should poll well.
James Hird
The newly-retired Hird will be the sentimental favourite heading into thisyear's count, but although the veteran Bomber was in exemplary touch at timesthroughout the year, the number of games he missed through injury will severelydamage his chances. He managed only 17 in his final year – although he pickedup a couple of best on grounds – and farewelled the game in style in round 22against the Eagles. He had 34 possessions, took eight marks, and along withLucas, nearly lifted the Bombers across the line.
Scott Lucas
After winning last year's club best and fairest for his role as Essendon'smain goal-kicker, Lucas backed up with another solid year. He kicked 61 goalsfor the season, played every game, and book-ended his season with seven majorsin round one and eight in round 22. Although he was pipped by Lloyd for thehonour of Essendon's leading goal-kicker, his year will be remembered for hisremarkable final-term contribution of seven goals in Hird and Sheedy's lastappearance.
Dustin Fletcher
Fletcher was the sole Bomber in this year's All-Australian side, althoughLucas was a member of the 40-man extended squad. He missed two games throughinjury and was suspended for one, but put together a strong season as theBombers' ‘quarterback’, and provided solid rebound from defence.
FREMANTLE
Who’s invited: MatthewPavlich, Peter Bell, Antoni Grover, Roger Hayden, Luke McPharlin
2007 All-Australians:Matthew Pavlich
Betting: MatthewPavlich 26, Peter Bell 301, Aaron Sandilands 501
Ineligible: HeathBlack, Josh Carr, Ryan Crowley, Steven Dodd, Ryan Murphy, Dean Solomon
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Matthew Pavlich (15)
Past winners: None
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
You can put a line through messrs Black, J.Carr, Crowley, Dodd, Solomon andMurphy as they were suspended during the season. Realistically, none of thoseplayers was in the mix, although Fremantle's skipper Matthew Pavlich is agenuine contender. Former captain Peter Bell is also likely to poll in doublefigures.
Matthew Pavlich
Pavlich is a genuine Brownlow Medal contender. He could poll in as many asnine matches in a stellar 2007. There is a real possibility he could poll fivebest on grounds and finish with roughly 20 votes. In his first year as captain,Pavlich booted 72 goals to finish behind only JonathanBrown on the goalkicking table. Few players had better seasons than Pavlich in2007.
Peter Bell
Fremantle's second-best prospect in this year's Brownlow count, Bell had another fineseason. He is likely to poll roughly a dozen votes from perhaps five matches. Bell should poll most ofhis votes between rounds six and 16 and also may have a late run in the finalfew rounds. Realistically, he is unlikely to win the award, but expect him tofinish in the top 25 vote-getters.
Paul Hasleby
It is difficult to judge who will round out Fremantle's top three Brownlowcontenders, with several players in the mix, although in reality they may onlypoll around six to eight votes at best. Hasleby played all but two matches in2007 and his ball-winning ability in the engine room may have caught theumpires' eyes on a handful of occasions. Look for votes against Melbourne(round four), St Kilda (round nine) and Essendon (round 19).
GEELONG
Who’s invited: TomHarley, Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel, Joel Corey, Steve Johnson, Cameron Ling
2007 All-Australians:Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel, Joel Corey, Matthew Egan, Steve Johnson, CameronLing, Darren Milburn, Cameron Mooney, Matthew Scarlett
Betting: GaryAblett 2.40, Jimmy Bartel 11, Joel Corey 34
Ineligible: MaxRooke
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Paul Chapman (14)
Past winners: Edward‘Carji’ Greeves (1924), Bernie Smith (1951), Alistair Lord (1962), Paul Couch(1989)
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
The Cats have nine members inthe All-Australian team and finished the regular season three games clear ontop of the table, so they will poll a stack of votes. Geelong has a few majorhopes (see below), but will the good form of Steve Johnson, Cameron Ling andCameron Mooney mean the star-studded line-up will share too many votes for oneCat to take home the main prize?
Gary Ablett
The outright favourite to win the medal, Ablett will take his time gettinggoing but should hit a hot streak mid-season. A question mark remains over hisvote-catching ability, although 2007 has been the first year he has played as agenuine midfielder. He won 25 or more disposals on 15 occasions, and booted 26goals during the regular rounds. If he’s not in front at some stage mid-year itis unlikely he’ll win.
Jimmy Bartel
Cats fans and the hard nut himself will get a good indication if thewhistle-blowers notice Bartel’s hard work early in the night. He started theseason on fire. There was no game in the first 11 rounds in which he had fewerthan 24 disposals in. While his season plateaued mid-year, he stormed home latebefore an appendix operation ruled him out of the final two matches of the homeand away season. Will that cost him?
Joel Corey
Corey isn’t as flashy as a few of his teammates but the hard-workingmidfielder has had his best season in 2007. His work around the stoppages hasbeen first-class and has often led to Geelonggoals while, like Bartel, he also comes under notice for his strong overheadwork. Corey polled 10 votes in 2006 and has 45 for his career, so the umpiresdo notice the rugged onballer.
HAWTHORN
Who’s invited: RichieVandenberg, Shane Crawford, Campbell Brown, Lance Franklin, Luke Hodge, SamMitchell, Brad Sewell
2007 All-Australians:Campbell Brown
Betting: SamMitchell 8.50, Luke Hodge 67, Shane Crawford 301
Ineligible: BenDixon
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Sam Mitchell (13)
Past winners: Col Austen (1949 tied),Robert DiPierdomenico (1986 tied), John Platten (1987 tied), Shane Crawford(1999)
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
With Hawthorn qualifying for its first finals campaign since2001, it has been an exciting year at Waverley Park.The emergence of Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklinhas provided much joy for the Hawks’ faithful, while the performances of moreestablished talent in Sam Mitchell and Luke Hodge ensured the side’s place inthe finals. The Hawks may not be in line for Brownlow success this year buttheir stars are bound to poll well. Look out for talented defender CampbellBrown, whose impressive displays this year could make him a dark horse.
Lance Franklin
Undoubtedly the Hawks’ most spectacular star this year, Franklinbagged 63 goals in the home and away season, including a haul of nine againstthe Bombers in round six and two other tallies of six, in round five againstthe Bulldogs and round 11 against Sydney.
Sam Mitchell
As difficult as it was to improve on a 22-game season that resulted in aclub best and fairest award last year, Sam Mitchell continued to show his classin 2007. The centreman known as ‘The Extractor’ again excelled at thestoppages. He averaged 26 possessions in his 21 games, reaching the 30-plus markon eight occasions. His season high came in round 21 when he claimed 38disposals in the Hawks’ 84-point victory over the Western Bulldogs.
Luke Hodge
Famously recruited in the super draft of 2001, Hodge used season 2007 toshow his credentials. The versatile midfielder played every game, averaging 23disposals with a season-high of 34 in the Hawks’ round 21 victory against the WesternBulldogs.
KANGAROOS
Who’s invited: AdamSimpson, Brent Harvey, Corey Jones,Hamish McIntosh, Drew Petrie
2007 All-Australians:Brent Harvey
Betting: BrentHarvey 3.75, Hamish McIntosh 401, Corey Jones751
Ineligible: KaseyGreen
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Nathan Thompson (13)
Past winners: NoelTeasdale (1965 tied), Keith Greig (1973, 74), Malcolm Blight (1978), Ross Glendinning(1983)
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
The Kangaroos had the fewest players polling votes in 2006with just nine vote-winners, and only Essendon polled fewer total club votesthan the Roos. This year promises to be vastly different for the boys from Arden St, largelybecause the club has won twice as many games compared with last season. BrentHarvey is undoubtedly the stand-out, and his cause will be aided by the factthe club's leading vote-winner last year, Nathan Thompson, didn't play a gamein 2007.
Brent Harvey
At one stage early in the season, some lucky punters found Harvey at odds approaching400/1 despite the fact he had averaged almost 24 possessions and three goals amatch in the first three rounds of the year. He didn't really gain the punters'attention until the Kangas' 22-point win over Essendon in round seven when heamassed 30 possessions. That sparked an amazing run of 12 games where only oncedid Harveygather fewer than 24 possessions. Importantly, the Roos won nine of thosematches. If things are tight at the end of the evening, Harveyis a big chance to score maximum votes in the last two rounds of the year afterhe had 28 and 27 touches in the Roos' wins over Carlton and the Bulldogs.
Hamish McIntosh
If anyone told the big ruckman at the start of the year he'd be invited tofootball's night of nights he would have laughed at them. At the start of theyear the 23-year-old had played just 18 games, yet here he is, the Roos'second-best chance of winning football's most coveted individual award. Heamassed 20-plus possessions on six occasions throughout the year, and was rightunder the umpire's eye in winning more than 20 hit-outs in each of sevenmatches.
Corey Jones
This has clearly been Jones' finestyear in his seven seasons at AFL level, as shown by his best-ever return of 46goals. He had one stand-out game against Hawthorn in round 17 when he bootedseven goals, but it has largely been his consistency that makes him one of theRoos' best chances to win votes.
MELBOURNE
Who’s invited: DavidNeitz, Brad Green, Nathan Jones,James McDonald, Jeff White
2007 All-Australians:None
Betting: CameronBruce 501, Brad Green 501, James McDonald 1001
Ineligible: ColinSylvia, Aaron Davey, Ben Holland, Michael Newton
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Travis Johnstone (11)
Past winners: IvorWarne-Smith (1926, 28), Don Cordner (1946), Brian Wilson (1982), Peter Moore(1984), Jim Stynes (1991), Shane Woewodin (2000)
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
Brownlow votes will be few and far between for Melbourne, with the redand blue highly unlikely to have a player polling double-figure votes due toinjuries and poor form ruining its year. Half-a-dozen votes might be the bestresult for the Demons, with possibly Russell Robertson the club's best prospectdue to a handful of standout matches.
Russell Robertson
Although Robertson missed matches in 2007 because of injuries, he alsostepped up in several rounds where Melbournemay be in line to gain Brownlow votes. He shone against Collingwood (round 11),Western Bulldogs (round 19) and Carlton (round22) and is likely to attract attention in these matches – three of five Melbourne victories in2007. His two best hauls for 2007 were against the Magpies (seven goals) andBlues (six).
Cameron Bruce
Bruce was one of Melbourne'sbest early on until hamstring problems interrupted the second half of hisseason. Although Melbournedid not win a match until round 10, if any Demon is to attract votes duringthis period it is Bruce. He won a career-best 35 disposals in Melbourne'sone-point loss to the Kangaroos in round nine and then was one of his side'sbest in its first win against Adelaidein round 10.
James McDonald
On the back of his outstanding best-and-fairest winning season in 2006,McDonald produced another consistent year for the Demons and is right incontention to win back-to-back Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Trophies. Although hewon't be pressing for this year's Brownlow Medal, McDonald may poll a handfulof votes, having won 489 disposals for the season – the most by any Melbourne player. He maypoll votes against Essendon (round 13) and Collingwood (round 20).
PORT ADELAIDE
Who’s invited: WarrenTredrea, Peter Burgoyne, DomenicCassisi, ChadCornes, Kane Cornes, Brendon Lade
2007 All-Australians:ChadCornes, Kane Cornes, Brendon Lade
Betting: Chad Cornes 7,Kane Cornes 13, Peter Burgoyne 251
Ineligible: ShaunBurgoyne, Matt Thomas, Toby Thurstans, Damon White, Michael Wilson
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Shaun Burgoyne, Brendon Lade (15)
Past winners:
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
The Power’s band of brothers, the Cornes and the Burgoynes,has been instrumental in their club’s stellar season. There is every chance theeventual winner could spring from this group. Both Chad and Kane scored All-Australianhonours for the second time in their careers and both have legitimate claims onthe medal. Peter Burgoyne appears likely to poll more votes than brother Shaun,who impressed on occasion, but struggled when a hard tag was applied (and isineligible). Ruckman Brendon Lade could also be a smoky after making itback-to-back All-Australian honours this year.
Chad Cornes
The 27-year-old is at the peak of his powers and has regularly impressedwith his ability to perform in nearly every position on the ground.Predominantly a midfielder now, he cuts an imposing figure in the engine roomat 192cm and will be a chance to take the three votes away from at least sixgames this season. Had seven 30-plus disposal performances during the year aswell as a six-goal haul against the Dees inround 17. Was never far from the action and rarely had his colours lowered in22 games.
Kane Cornes
The younger of the Cornes boys has developed into one of the rarest ofcreatures in the AFL: a player capable of completely blanketing an opponent and getting plenty of the ball himself.It’s always difficult to predict how the umpires will rate a good defensive jobwhen compared to a high-possession performance, but he’s done enough of both tosuggest he is in with a decent chance. Had 38 disposals and kicked three goalsin the last-gasp win over Hawthorn in round 20.
Peter Burgoyne
The elder Burgoyne has impressed since taking on more of an attackinghalf-back flanker role during the season. His ability to read the play and setup counter-attacks from the back half has been a key component of the Power’ssuccess this year. Burgoyne enjoyed a stellar second half of the season after adip in form leading into the mid-season break. Had a season-high 36 touches inround 17 against the Demons and recorded 11 tackles in both rounds four andfive.
RICHMOND
Who’s invited: KaneJohnson, Brett Deledio, Nathan Foley, Graham Polak, Matthew Richardson
2007 All-Australians:None
Betting: NathanFoley 201, Brett Deledio 801, Joel Bowden 801
Ineligible: DanielJackson
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Troy Simmonds (11)
Past winners: StanJudkins (1930 tied), Bill Morris (1948), Roy Wright (1952 tied, 1954), IanStewart (1971)
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
After what has been a bleak year at Punt Rd, the words Brownlow and Richmond don’t really go handin hand. Nevertheless, in a season that saw the Tigers win only three-and-a-halfgames and finish bottom of the ladder, there was one shining light inmidfielder Nathan Foley. The 22-year-old should poll well and will give theTigers much hope going into next year.
Nathan Foley
One of the few positives in a poor year at Tigerland, Foley’s performancesgave the Tigers’ faithful something to cheer about. A consistent performer allyear, Foley averaged 24 possessions and had a career high 35 disposals in theclub’s heavy round-18 loss to the Cats. Elevated from the rookie list lastyear, 2007 has seen a sharp rise to prominence for the midfielder who isn’t thetallest competitor around, but makes up for his size with his endeavour andtalent.
Brett Deledio
The 20-year-old had another solid season, averaging 18 disposals andshowing yet again the class that secured him the 2005 NAB Rising Star accolade.Despite suffering a broken bone in his hand in round 14 against the Kangaroos,he returned only three weeks later to aid the team’s cause against the Cats. Asone of the club’s brightest prospects, Tigers’ fans will be hoping that evenfurther improvement from the midfielder can help them turn around theirfortunes in 2008.
Matthew Richardson
The much-loved Richo should poll well. The 32-year-old kicked 53 goals andshowed immense courage to return a week after fracturing his eye socket despitebeing expected to miss up to six rounds. No doubt Richmond fans will be hoping that this Tigercan stay on and help see the club through what is a testing time for at leastanother couple of years.
ST KILDA
Who’s invited: NickRiewoldt, Robert Harvey, Nick Dal Santo, Sam Fisher, Jason Gram, Leigh Montagna
2007 All-Australians:None
Betting: NickRiewoldt 81, Nick Dal Santo 251, Leigh Montagna 501
Ineligible: StevenBaker, Fraser Gehrig, Justin Koschitzke
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Robert Harvey (12)
Past winners: ColinWatson (1952), Brian Gleeson (1957), Neil Roberts (1958), Verdun Howell (1959tied), Ian Stewart (1965 tied, 1966), Ross Smith (1967), Tony Lockett (1987tied), Robert Harvey (1997, 98)
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
It is doubtful if a Saint can take Charlie home after theclub finished ninth on the table with 11-and-a-half wins. Midfielders LennyHayes, Robert Harvey and Nick Dal Santo were prominent at different stages ofthe year, but Leigh Montagna was the pick of the St Kilda ball winners. As inmost years, co-skipper Nick Riewoldt should poll well.
Nick Riewoldt
Riewoldt missed out on an All-Australian jumper, although selectors mightfeel a little sheepish if the big blond Saint walks out of Crown Palladium witha nice shiny medal around his neck. That seems unlikely, but the star forwardhas again put in some eye-catching performances this year. He played 20matches, took nearly 200 marks and booted 42 goals in another solid season’swork – but it was often the time at which he stood up that was important.
Leigh Montagna
In a breakout season, the pacy Saint went from a highly-promisingmidfielder to a player who had to be closely monitored by opposition sides eachand every week. With a penetrating right boot sure to capture umpires’attention, Montagna played all but one match and finished with 502 disposals.But it was a new-found consistency that helped elevate his game to star statusand should see him poll throughout the season.
Nick Dal Santo
It was an up-and-down season for Dal Santo as he struggled to come to termswith close checking, yet at other times he was at his brilliant best. Had a fewbig games where he is certain to come under notice from the umps. The stylishleft-footer played every game of the season, accumulating 482 disposals. He had20 or more touches in 14 of the 22 matches in another solid year.
SYDNEY
Who’s invited: BrettKirk, Adam Goodes, Leo Barry, Craig Bolton, Nick Malceski, Ryan O’Keefe
2007 All-Australians:None
Betting: RyanO’Keefe 751, Nick Malceski 751, Peter Everitt 801
Ineligible: AmonBuchanan, Adam Goodes, Brett Kirk
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Adam Goodes (26)
Past winners: HerbieMatthews (1940 tied), Ron Clegg (1949 tied), Fred Goldsmith (1955), Bob Skilton(1959 tied, 1963, 1968), Peter Bedford (1970), Graham Teasdale (1977), BarryRound (1980 tied), Greg Williams (1986 tied), Gerard Healy (1988), Paul Kelly(1995), Adam Goodes (2003 tied, 2006)
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
It was a disappointing season for last year’s grandfinalists, finishing the home and away season with 12 wins and a draw afterstars including Barry Hall, Leo Barry and Tadhg Kennelly had interruptions dueto injury. Their dual Brownlow medalist Adam Goodes started the season poorlyso probably would not have made it three medals even if it not for the factthat he was suspended and ruled out of contention. Also out of contention ishard-working midfielder Brett Kirk, who had another strong season.
Craig Bolton
An All-Australian in 2006, Craig Bolton continued his stellar form in 2007and shouldered much of the defensive responsibility when injury forced LeoBarry out of the side late in the season. Often matched up on the mostthreatening opposition forward, the 27-year-old again showed his ability tohandle tall or small opponents and certainly got the best of the year’s biggestemerging star, Hawks’ Lance “Buddy” Franklin.The former Brisbane defender restricted theyoung Hawk to just one goal in the Swans’ round 22, 72-point thrashing of the Melbourne side at the SCG.
Nick Malceski
A fine performance in last year’s Grand Final seems to have spurred NickMalceski on in season 2007. Described as one of the Swans’ most improvedplayers at the end of last season, the same could be said of the 23-year-old in2007. He had a career-high 28 disposals in the Bloods’ round 15 62-pointvictory against Carltonat the SCG and provided good run out of the Swans’ defence.
Ryan O’Keefe
This talented forward, known for his tremendous fitness and endurance,continued to display the work ethic and skill which has seen him as one of theSwans’ most valuable players over the past few years. The 2005 Premiershipplayer and 2006 All-Australian bagged 23 goals in the home and away season butas ever his hard running yielded many more crucial assists, while often goingback to help in defence.
WEST COAST EAGLES
Who’s invited: ChrisJudd, Ben Cousins, Dean Cox, Darren Glass, Adam Selwood, Tyson Stenglein
2007 All-Australians:Dean Cox, Darren Glass, Daniel Kerr
Betting: Dean Cox81, Chris Judd 151, Ben Cousins 501
Ineligible: DanielKerr
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Daniel Kerr (22)
Past winners: ChrisJudd (2004), Ben Cousins (2005)
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
West Coast's top Brownlow vote-getter is likely to be theineligible Daniel Kerr. The dynamic midfielder had an outstanding year, but wasrubbed out on two separate occasions. Kerr is still likely to be around the 20-votemark again. Chris Judd's outstanding start to the season, before injury tookover, could see him lead during the count.
Chris Judd
Judd's dynamic first half of the season, along with teammate Daniel Kerr,could easily see the duo heading the count towards the half-way point of theseason. The two players were stunning early in 2007 and votes will certainlycome their way. Unfortunately for Judd, injury hampered his second half of theyear and votes won't be as free-flowing. Still, the 2004 Brownlow Medallistcould quite easily finish up with 20 votes.
Quinten Lynch
The powerhouse key forward finished with 49 goals in the home and awayseason and should attract votes in at least four matches – round eight(Melbourne), round 17 (Western Bulldogs), round 20 (Richmond) and round 21 (StKilda). He kicked five goals in three of those matches, but in the clash withthe Tigers he jagged seven majors – his best haul of 2007. This could giveLynch around eight to 10 votes.
Dean Cox
Cox had another outstanding year, which was recognised with his third successiveAll-Australian selection. Although he battled quadriceps and back injuriesearly in the season, he stepped up considerably in the second half of theseason and should attract some votes during this period. Expect roughly eightto 10 votes, with performances against the Kangaroos (round 10), Adelaide (round 13) andthe Kangaroos again in round 19 likely to produce votes.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Who’s invited: BradJohnson, Jason Akermanis, Matthew Boyd, Brian Harris, Dale Morris, Scott West
2007 All-Australians:Brad Johnson
Betting: BradJohnson 201, Scott West 301, Daniel Cross 1001
Ineligible: AdamCooney, Nathan Eagleton
Leading vote-getterin 2006: Scott West (23)
Past winners: AllanHopkins (1930 tied), Norm Ware (1941), Peter Box (1956), John Schultz (1960),Gary Dempsey (1975), Kelvin Templeton (1980), Brad Hardie (1985), TonyLiberatore (1990), Scott Wynd (1992)
afl.com.au predicts the top three vote-getters and why:
It might have been a collectively unsuccessful season, butthe Bulldogs have still had many shining lights in a sometimes dim year. ScottWest has been tremendous despite being restricted by a groin problem, whileBrad Johnson has again won All-Australian selection for his role as a smallforward. Matthew Boyd, Adam Cooney and Dale Morris are also players who havestood out.
Scott West
The seven-time club best and fairest winner played 20 games in his 15thseason, and while carrying a groin complaint in the second half the year, stillmanaged to average 27 disposals a game. He had 41 touches in round five againstthe Hawks, and on six other occasions picked up more than 30. West has beenunlucky in the past as far as the Brownlow is concerned, placing second twice(2000, 2006), and third once (1998) without actually winning the prize.
Brad Johnson
Last year's club best and fairest winner will be another high hope for theDogs on Monday night. The All-Australian captain from 2006 has had anotherimpressive season, which kicked off with eight goals in round one against theCats. He went on to score another four bags of five, was held goalless onlytwice in 21 games, and topped the Dogs' goal-kicking by 31 from Cooney.
Matthew Boyd
The hard-working midfielder stood up admirably when called upon to coverthe absence of Daniel Cross and occasionally West in the second half of theseason, and played every game for the second year running. With his good workethic and impressive level of fitness, Boyd averaged nearly 25 possessions agame and topped the list for disposals with 545 this year.
The views in this story are those of the author and notnecessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
