GOLD COAST champion Gary Ablett has claimed his second Brownlow medal after holding off former Geelong team-mate Joel Selwood in a scintillating count.
Ablett shot off to an early lead along with Sydney midfielder Daniel Hannebery before both began to stagnate in the second half of the season.
Ablett went into the final round of votes sitting two behind Selwood with Collingwood’s Dane Swan sitting between the two.
A three-vote performance against Melbourne was enough to secure Ablett’s second medal as Selwood and Swan both failed to poll votes.
Speaking after his triumph, Ablett said he was hoping for two votes in his last game so he could share the award with Selwood.
“I did want the two, I was actually shattered when I got the three, Joel deserves this as much as I do,” Ablett said.
It was a popular win for the now dual Brownlow medallist, who is widely accepted as the best player of the last seven years.
Such has been his level of performance that comparisons were once again made between his father, though Ablett was quick to quell any speculation on the matter.
“My old man is the best player to have ever played the game and he should have won a Brownlow,” Ablett said.
Top 10
- Gary Ablett (Gold Coast) – 28 votes
- Joel Selwood (Geelong) – 27 votes
- Dane Swan (Collingwood) – 26 votes
- Steve Johnson* (Geelong) – 25 votes
- Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide) – 22 votes
- Daniel Hannebery (Sydney) – 21 votes
- Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood) – 21 votes
- Tom Rockliff (Brisbane) – 21 votes
- Trent Cotchin (Richmond) – 19 votes
- Kieran Jack (Sydney) – 19 votes
…THE AFL Commission has denied the Melbourne Football Club’s application for a priority pick.AFL Commission chairman, Mike Fitzpatrick, said that factors such as the young talent already on the club’s list and the ability to improve the club’s internal operations meant that Melbourne did not warrant a priority pick.“In coming to a decision, the AFL Commission considered a range of factors including the Melbourne Football Club’s recent performances, but also the opportunity the club has to make improvements in its operations — including its coaching, recruiting, administrative, cultural and welfare programs, as well as significant upside in young talent that is currently on the club’s list.”Melbourne’s first draft selection is currently pick two in November’s national draft….Follow Rhiley on Twitter for all the latest AFL news: @RhileyWentworth
