THREE-VOTES IN THE BAG?
Emma Quayle | September 21, 2008
AS the Brownlow Medal votes are read out tomorrow night, the debate begins about who did and didn't win the coveted three-votes.
The AFL's official statistician, Champion Data, takes the guesswork out of at least part of the debate with its top 10 match-winning performances of the 2008 home and away season. The list, presented here in chronological order, was compiled using a formula that evaluates each player's key performances indicators on the day.
9. Joel Bowden, Richmond v Port Adelaide, round 13 (39 disposals, including 32 kicks, and 23 marks - the most by any player this season)
Bowden found him playing not only for Coburg early this year, but in the Coburg forward line. But he was back in defence against the Power, and this was a classic "match-saving" effort - his final mark cut off a last ditch kick headed for Daniel Motlop's hands. Every single possession was deemed effective by Champion Data; the only thing missing was a tackle count. "It was certainly the best he has played for the year," said coach Terry Wallace. "He has one back to the VFL and he handled that magnificently well. He was in control of his emotions, and he fought his way back."
THE BROWNLOWTomorrow at Crown
TV: Channel Ten from 8.30pm
ODDS: (TAB Sportsbet)
Gary Ablett $2.35
Jimmy Bartel $3.75
Brent Harvey $5
Adam Cooney $14
Nick Riewoldt $16
Chris Judd $23
Simon Black $26
Joel Corey $26
Joel Selwood $31
Matthew Richardson $41
SHADOWING CHARLIE
The season's Brownlow momentsRound 12: After starting $401 in pre-season betting, Richmond veteran Matthew Richardson, with exceptional form on the wing, brings his betting down to $7 after the win over the Demons. Richardson's five-goal, 13-mark performance forces the usually circumspect Demons coach Dean Bailey to say Richardson's form is "worth of a Brownlow Medal".
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