THE AFL’s captains have selected Patrick Dangerfield as the most likely candidate for this year’s Brownlow Medal.
The League has polled 18 club leaders as the 2018 season is launched, and Dangerfield was the clear Brownlow standout, with seven of the skippers picking him to follow up from his 2016 medal to win another.
Just three captains picked Richmond bull Dustin Martin to go back-to-back, while two chose Fremantle midfielder Nat Fyfe to win a second medal following his 2015 triumph.
Giant Josh Kelly, Swans Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker, Bomber Zach Merrett, Hawk Tom Mitchell and Crow Rory Sloane polled one vote each.
Geelong was a unanimous selection to make the top eight, alongside Adelaide, the Giants, Richmond and Sydney.
Greater Western Sydney is considered the team to beat this season with seven skippers voting for them to make the Grand Final.
Richmond and Adelaide have been tipped by five captains each to make consecutive deciders, while Sydney picked up the remaining vote to win through to the last game of the year.
Twelve captains picked Swans spearhead Lance Franklin to win a fifth Coleman Medal, with West Coast's Josh Kennedy – who has won two of his own – to provide the most competition.
Kennedy polled three votes while Joe Daniher, Charlie Dixon and Tom Hawkins were nominated by one captain each to top the League's goal-kicking.
There was no love for Carlton or North Melbourne in the finals race, but four captains named Blue Paddy Dow as this year's NAB AFL Rising Star and three voted for Kangaroo Luke Davies-Uniacke.
Top draft pick Cam Rayner and No.2 overall Andrew Brayshaw were picked by two captains each to claim the prize this year.
Aiden Bonar (GWS), Nick Coffield (St Kilda), Darcy Fogarty (Adelaide), Oliver Florent (Sydney), Jack Graham (Richmond), Aaron Naughton (Western Bulldogs) and Alex Witherden (Brisbane) were selected by one captain each.
