Using the AFL’s Brownlow Predictor, we take a look at some of the Bombers who are expected to receive votes at tonight’s Brownlow Medal.
EFC top five:
- Michael Hurley – 10 votes
- Joe Daniher – 6 votes
- Jobe Watson – 6 votes
- Dyson Heppell – 4 votes
- Cale Hooker – 3 votes
Others to watch:
- Zach Merrett – A great second season should see the youngster pick up some votes throughout the night. Particularly watch out around round 11 where Merrett had 29 disposals and laid 11 tackles.
- Brent Stanton- The veteran was in fine form right throughout the season and is predicted to finish with two votes for the night. Given that he averaged 26 disposals a game and had seven games with 30 possessions or more, he will surely receive more.
- Mark Baguley – His hard work may slip under the radar, but Mark Baguley may have caught the voters’ eyes in round 19 for his performance against the GWS Giants.
Expected Votes:
Game: Round 1 - Essendon vs. Sydney
Player: Dyson Heppell
Predicted Votes: 3
Notes: Heppell had a great game in what was a hard fought, wet opening game of the season. The midfielder was a standout performer collecting 26 disposals, taking five marks and kicking a goal.
Game: Round 2 - Essendon vs. Hawthorn
Player(s): Michael Hurley, Jobe Watson, Cale Hooker
Predicted Votes: Hurley (3), Watson (2)
Notes: A hard round to separate votes for the Bomber boys who played some of their finest football of the season to defeat the reigning premiers. Hurley put a total blanket on Hawthorn’s Jarryd Roughead, restricting the quality forward to only one goal while collecting 25 disposals of his own. Watson was also at his finest collecting 33 disposals. Although Hooker is not predicted to pick-up votes this round, it would be hard to ignore his game winning performance at both ends of the ground.
Game: Round 3 – Essendon vs. Carlton
Player(s): Jobe Watson, Cale Hooker
Predicted Votes: Watson (3), Hooker (2)
Notes: The captain was once again on fire, as he tore up the midfield collecting 36 disposals and kicking a goal as the team celebrated a win for Brendon Goddard’s 250th game. There was a bit of heat in this one after Chris Yarran was reported for striking Paul Chapman early on. The boys got it down thanks to a strong performance from Cale Hooker in defence who gave nothing away to the Carlton forwards.
Game: Round 8 – Essendon vs. Brisbane Lions
Player(s): Joe Daniher, Michael Hurley
Predicted Votes: Daniher (3), Hurley (2)
Notes: It was a Daniher domination as Joey kicked a career best six goals to help the Bombers on their way to a big win. Michael Hurley was again impressive in the backline finishing with 22 possessions, seven rebound 50s and 10 intercept marks. Ben Howlett may also catch some attention working hard for 26 possessions, four tackles, four clearances and a goal.
Game: Round 15 – Essendon vs. Melbourne
Player(s): Joe Daniher, Michael Hurley
Predicted Votes: Daniher (3), Hurley (2)
Notes: It’ll be another three votes for Joey D in round 15 if the AFL Brownlow Predictor has got it right. His five goals straight was enough to show the entire AFL community that he has what it takes to one day be one of the premier forwards of the competition. It was a tough day for the Melbourne forwards with Michael Hurley once again completely nullifying the efforts of Jesse Hogan and Chris Dawes.
Past Winners:
Dick Reynolds is one of only four players in the history of the medal to win four times. Our most recent winner game in 2012 where Jobe Watson was voted the best player in the league.
- Dick Reynolds – 1934
- Dick Reynolds – 1937
- Dick Reynolds – 1938
- Bill Hutchison – 1952
- Bill Hutchison – 1954
- Graham Moss – 1976
- Gavin Wanganeen – 1993
- James Hird – 1996
- Jobe Watson – 2012
Other:
Keep an eye out for Michael Hurley, Cale Hooker, Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell, Zach Merrett and Adam Cooney who will all be attending this year. The big question of the night though, will Alex Browne be lucky enough to score a date with Jobe?
