'History in the Making' - Round 7, 2012 Wrap.

Who would have thunk it?!

In what was seemingly tipped to be an inaugural season of horror for the AFL newbies in GWS, they have done the unthinkable and beaten their 'big brother' - the Gold Coast Suns. With the return of Gary Ablett to the Suns, many expected the Suns to bully the GWS. But even the great man himself couldn't help get the Suns over the line, with the GWS running out the game strongly to notch their first win for the season, and overall for the club. 

It's been a promising past few weeks for the Giants who have been gallant in defeat, after pushing the likes of the Western Bulldogs and Carlton to the extreme.

Below is a list of those who I thought were 'KEY PLAYERS' in each match. Take note that I am deliberately randomising the list, and in no way does the order I list them in reflect who I think will get the 3, 2, 1's.

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Melbourne vs. Hawthorn:

Possible Votes: J. Lewis, L. Franklin, B. Sewell, M. Suckling

Adelaide vs. Geelong:

Possible Votes: S. Coniglio, J. Giles, G. Ablett, C. Ward

GWS vs. Gold Coast:

Possible Votes: R. Sloane, S. Thompson, B. Reilly

Richmond vs. Sydney:

Possible Votes: S. Grigg, T. Cotchin, N. Foley

Essendon vs. West Coast:

Possible Votes: D. Zaharakis, J. Watson, B. Stanton

Brisbane vs. Collingwood:

Possible Votes: S. Sidebottom, D. Swan, H. Shaw, S. Pendlebury

North Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs:

Possible Votes: B. Lake, R. Griffen, M. Boyd, M. Wallis

Fremantle vs. Port Adelaide:

Possible Votes: S. Hill, M. Pavlich, P. Duffield, A. Sandilands

St. Kilda vs. Carlton:

Possible Votes: F. Ray, L. Hayes, C. Judd, J. Steven, S. Milne, D. Armitage

'O Ablett, Where Art Thou?' - Round 6, 2012 Wrap.

After setting the tone for the first 5 games of the season with scorching performances week-in-week-out, it seems rather forlorn for AFL fans and Brownlow enthusiasts alike, with Ablett still watching on from the sidelines with his knee injury. The most interesting thing is that if you check out his odds at varying betting agencies, you'll notice they haven't drifted despite missing 2 games on the trot. That indicates the bookies know he's a fair chance at the Brownlow this year, and an even better chance at rekindling the same trailblazing form he was in prior to his injury.

Can Ablett still win the Brownlow despite missing 2 games? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.


Below is a list of those who I thought were 'KEY PLAYERS' in each match. Take note that I am deliberately randomising the list, and in no way does the order I list them in reflect who I think will get the 3, 2, 1's.

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Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood:

Possible Votes: D. Beams, R. Griffen, S. Pendlebury

Essendon vs. Brisbane:

Possible Votes: B. Stanton, J. Watson, S. Lonergan, D. Heppell

Geelong vs. Melbourne:

Possible Votes: S. Johnson, J. Corey, S. Motlop, A. Christensen

Gold Coast vs. Fremantle:

Possible Votes: H. Bennell, C. Mayne, K. Hunt, R. Crowley

St. Kilda vs. Hawthorn:

Possible Votes: L. Franklin, C. Rioli, J. Koschitzke, J. Lewis 

Sydney vs Adelaide:

Possible Votes: P. Dangerfield, S. Thompson, L. Jetta, J. Kennedy

Carlton vs. GWS:

Possible Votes: M. Robinson, K. Simpson, S. Hampson, B. Gibbs

Port Adelaide vs. Richmond:

Possible Votes: S. Tuck, I. Maric, B. Deledio

West Coast vs. North Melbourne:

Possible Votes: D. Cox, S. Selwood, S. Hurn

'Swanning Around' - Round 5, 2012 Wrap.

In what is always an action packed match between two traditional rivals on such a significant day, this week's Anzac Day match was certainly no exception. After trouncing another fierce rival in Carlton the week prior, Essendon came into the match beaming with confidence, only to fall agonisingly short; a solitary point.

The major talking point - certainly in Brownlow terms - was the eye-catching performance of the reigning Brownlow Medallist in Dane Swan. Amassing a lethal 42 possessions and kicking 3 goals, Swan did as he pleased to help the Pies withstand a late Bombers onslaught, and take out the Anzac Day Medal for BOG. I'm probably one of Swan's biggest critics, but today he was unstoppable! In fact, I reckon it's the best game i've seen him play. Lock in the 3 votes here for sure! After a relatively quiet start to the season, could this be the game to kick him into gear towards claiming back to back Charlies?

Of the other notable players, Pendlebury also played a decent game, and will be vying for votes alongside Sidebottom, and Beams.


Below is a list of those who I thought were 'KEY PLAYERS' in each match. Take note that I am deliberately randomising the list, and in no way does the order I list them in reflect who I think will get the 3, 2, 1's.

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Collingwood vs. Essendon:

Possible Votes: D. Swan, S. Pendlebury, S. Sidebottom, D. Beams

Fremantle vs. Carlton:

Possible Votes: K. Simpson, M. Murphy, H. Scotland, M. Robinson

GWS vs. Western Bulldogs:

Possible Votes: M. Boyd, R. Griffen, J. Cameron, D. Cross

North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast:

Possible Votes: A. Swallow, L. Thomas, J. MacMillan, S. Atley

Melbourne vs. St Kilda:

Possible Votes: L. Hayes, N. Dal Santo, N. Jones

Brisbane vs. Geelong:

Possible Votes: T. Hawkins, P. Chapman, A. Christensen

Hawthorn vs. Sydney:

Possible Votes: J. Kennedy, A. Goodes, C. Bird

Richmond vs. West Coast:

Possible Votes: M. Priddis, D. Kerr, T. Cotchin, N. Naitanui

Adelaide vs. Port Adelaide:

Possible Votes: P. Dangerfield, S. Thompson, T. Walker

'I'm the Party Poopaaah!' - Round 4, 2012 Wrap.

After making such a statement to the AFL world and the wider media last week with their thumping of the Pies, it all came crashing down for Carlton as the hardly fancied Essendon team made them look second rate. Stanton continued his great run of form this year, and likewise Watson played a standout game, to throw their names among a host of others vying for votes.

But the biggest and most significant news to come from this round was the knee injury sustained by the little champion Gary Ablett. Whilst all reports indicate it's not as serious as first thought, the prospect of missing 2-3 weeks may put a slight dent in his Brownlow aspirations this year. But as I always say when it comes to champs like GAJ; never write him off! I just hope he can continue his scintillating run of form when he recovers and make headway towards having another Charlie draped around his neck as he is most definitely the best player in the competition at the moment.

In other Brownlow news, Pendlebury came out and blew off the cobwebs of last week's lacklustre performance by producing an awesome display. Likewise, Dane Swan was pivotal in what was a hard fought, bounce-back win by the Pies.

Below is a list of those who I thought were 'KEY PLAYERS' in each match. Take note that I am deliberately randomising the list, and in no way does the order I list them in reflect who I think will get the 3, 2, 1's. 

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St. Kilda vs. Fremantle:

Possible Votes: S. Hill, L. Hayes, T. Mzungu


Carlton vs. Essendon:

Possible Votes: J. Watson, S. Crameri, B. Stanton


Collingwood vs. Port Adelaide:

Possible Votes: S. Pendlebury, D. Swan, T. Boak


Adelaide vs. GWS:

Possible Votes: K. Tippett, N. Van Berlo, C. Ward


West Coast vs. Hawthorn:

Possible Votes: D. Kerr, B. Waters, S. Mitchell


Brisbane vs. Gold Coast:

Possible Votes: T. Rockliff, S. Black, G. Ablett


Geelong vs. Richmond:

Possible Votes: J. Bartel, J. Selwood, T. Cotchin, B. Deledio


Sydney vs. North Melbourne:

Possible Votes: K. Jack, L. Parker, J. McVeigh


Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs:

Possible Votes:  L. Dahlhaus, A. Cooney, R. Murphy

'Blues devour Pies' - Round 3, 2012 Wrap.

Coming into the match, questions were asked over whether Carlton could take the next step in announcing themselves as a genuine flag threat by overcoming one of their most fierce rivals. By the end of the match one thing was for sure; they were either going to be labelled contenders or pretenders - and they answered in the most emphatic style, trouncing the Pies by 60 points.

The loss of Ball and Reid midway through the match didn't help Collingwood's cause, but it was the immense pressure Carlton was able to apply so relentlessly that was most effective, and by far the most promising aspect of their style of play. In ascertaining as to who was BOG, the outstanding performances from both Murphy and Judd alike made it a difficult task to try and split the two, but both should most definitely figure in the votes.

Below is a list of those who I thought were 'KEY PLAYERS' in each match. Take note that I am deliberately randomising the list, and in no way does the order I list them in reflect who I think will get the 3, 2, 1's. 

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Carlton vs. Collingwood:

Possible Votes: M. Murphy, C. Judd, A. Carrazzo, S. Scotland


Richmond vs. Melbourne:

Possible Votes: T. Cotchin, N. Foley, S. Grigg, S. Tuck


Port Adelaide vs. Sydney

Possible Votes: J. Kennedy, D. Hannebery, L. Parker, D. Cassisi


Fremantle vs. Brisbane:

Possible Votes: C. Pearce, P. Duffield, M. Barlow, T. Mzungu


Gold Coast vs. Essendon:

Possible Votes: G. Ablett, J. Watson, P. Ryder, S. Crameri


Western Bulldogs vs. St. Kilda:

Possible Votes: N. Dal Santo, L. Hayes, L. Montagna, B. Goddard


GWS vs. West Coast:

Possible Votes: S. Selwood, L. Shuey, C. Masten, A. Gaff


Hawthorn vs Adelaide:

Possible Votes: B. Whitecross, J. Gibson, J. Lewis, P. Dangerfield


North Melbourne vs. Geelong:

Possible Votes: J. Ziebell, D. Wells, D. Swallow, B. Harvey, R. Bastinac

'Giants Brought Down to Size' - Round 2, 2012 Wrap.

The baptism of fire continued for the newcomers of the AFL, with the Giants sustaining a whopping 129 point loss at the hands of North Melbourne. While it's hard to take positives away from such a lacklustre effort, there were shining lights in the form of a few of their younger brigade. Greene looks quite the player; Giles has held his own in his first 2 games against tough opposition in Mumford, and McIntosh/Goldstein; whilst Bugg, Kennedy, Smith and Shiel have shown enough to suggest they'll be key players of the future for the Giants.

In Brownlow news, Ablett has posted another 40+ possession game in another big loss for the Suns, to suggest he is among the top of the list of players who are ones to watch throughout the season. Meanwhile, Murphy and Judd will be fighting over top honours in their massive win against Brisbane, whilst Pendlebury will be vying for full votes after producing another promising performance.

Below is a list of those who I thought were 'KEY PLAYERS' in each match. Take note that I am deliberately randomising the list, and in no way does the order I list them in reflect who I think will get the 3, 2, 1's. 

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Brisbane vs Carlton:

Possible Votes: M. Murphy, A. Carrazzo, C. Judd, J. Waite

Essendon vs Port Adelaide:

Possible Votes: B. Stanton, J. Watson, L. Jetta, P. Ryder

Sydney vs Fremantle:

Possible Votes: N. Fyfe, J. Kennedy, A. Sandilands, A. Goodes

West Coast vs Melbourne:

Possible Votes: L. Shuey, M. Priddis, S. Selwood

Collingwood vs Richmond:

Possible Votes: B. Deledio, S. Pendlebury, T. Cotchin, D. Thomas

Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs:

Possible Votes: S. Thompson, M. Boyd, R. Sloane

North Melbourne vs GWS:

Possible Votes: B. Harvey, L. Anthony, R. Bastinac, A. Swallow

St. Kilda vs Gold Coast:

Possible Votes: G. Ablett, B. Goddard, L. Hayes, N. Riewoldt

Geelong vs Hawthorn:

Possible Votes: S. Mitchell, J. Bartel, T. Hawkins, J. Selwood

'A Giant Task' - Round 1, 2012 Wrap.

Well, another season is underway and damn it's good to have footy back for 2012!

Last year didn't quite go as expected with Swan stealing the 2011 Brownlow right from underneath the nose of hot favourite Chris Judd. But as we enter a new season there remain a host of players that will ensure that the race to become the 2012 Brownlow medalist will be hotly contested. The young brigade made up predominantly of Pendlebury, Selwood and Murphy are edging closer and closer to the winning the AFL's highest honour; could this be the season they come to the forefront and push aside the older heads in Judd/Mitchell/Swan etc. Another player that could also be included in that list is another previous Brownlow medalist who goes by the name of Gary Ablett. Not sure if you've heard of him, but he polled an amazing 23 votes to finish equal 6th (alongside Judd) in a season in which his team finished last. That takes some talent to poll that many votes - particularly given that a majority of the games he played in were thrashings. As arguably the best player in the competition he's sure to give it a shake this year.

Throughout the season I will be listing the names of who I think were the 'KEY PLAYERS' from each match every round. Take note that I am deliberately randomising the list, and in no way does the order I list them in reflect who I think will get the 3, 2, 1's. Sometimes I will list more than 3 players, so this will be more evident. I will release my final tally come the end of the season, and if you have any questions, queries or recommendations feel free to shoot me an email at: brownlowtalk@gmail.com

Here's to a fun and successful Brownlow season ahead!

Cheers!

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Greater Western Sydney vs Sydney:

Possible Votes: L. Jetta, J Kennedy, K. Jack, C. Bird

Richmond vs Carlton:

Possible Votes: T. Cotchin, C. Judd, M. Murphy, M. Kreuzer, C. Yarran

Hawthorn vs Collingwood:

Possible Votes: S. Mitchell, L. Franklin, S. Pendlebury, C. Rioli

Melbourne vs Brisbane:

Possible Votes: J. Adcock, T. Rockliff, S. Black

Gold Coast vs Adelaide:

Possible Votes: R. Sloane, S. Thompson, G. Ablett, K. Tippett

Fremantle vs Geelong: 

Possible Votes: A. Sandilands, N. Fyfe, J. Bartel, J. Selwood

North Melbourne vs Essendon:

Possible Votes: D. Wells, J. Watson, B. Stanton, P. Ryder

Western Bulldogs vs West Coast:

Possible Votes: J. Kennedy, M. Priddis, S. Selwood, M. Boyd

Port Adelaide vs St Kilda:

Possible Votes: N. Dal Santo, B. Ebert, H. Hartlett, K. Cornes