Round 2 of the 2025 AFL season delivered some big upsets, statement wins, and standout individual performances as the Brownlow race starts to heat up.
Here’s how we saw the Brownlow votes falling this week:
Richmond v Carlton
In a massive upset, Richmond took down the Blues, and it was Jack Ross who led the way for the Tigers with 28 disposals and 2 goals in a breakout performance.
For Carlton, Patrick Cripps did everything he could to drag his side over the line.
The two-time Brownlow Medallist finished with 32 disposals and a game-high 9 clearances, earning him the two votes in a losing effort.
| 3. Jack Ross | 2. Patrick Cripps | 1. Toby Nankervis |
Hawthorn v Essendon
Despite Essendon going down by 26 points, Jye Caldwell was easily the best player on the ground—and arguably the standout performer of the entire round.
Caldwell racked up a massive 36 disposals and a goal in a dominant display that should see him claim the three votes.
| 3. Jye Caldwell | 2. Dylan Moore | 1. Jai Newcombe |
Geelong v Fremantle
Bailey Smith wasted no time making his mark in Cats colours, starring in Geelong’s 78-point thrashing of Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium.
Smith was a class above, finishing with a goal to cap off his best-on-ground performance and was the clear three-vote getter in this one.
| 3. Bailey Smith | 2. Max Holmes | 1. Caleb Serong |
Brisbane v Collingwood
The Grand Final rematch delivered, with Brisbane holding on for a 4-point win.
With Lachie Neale kept quiet to just 10 touches, Josh Dunkley stood tall in the midfield.
Meanwhile, Zac Bailey provided the finishing touches, slotting four goals and starring up forward.
Expect both to feature in the votes.
| 3. Josh Dunkley | 2. Zac Bailey | 1. Dayne Zorko |
Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne
An injury-hit Bulldogs side got the job done against North Melbourne.
Ed Richards took his chance with more midfield time and was one of the Dogs’ best, while Bailey Dale was superb down back and pushed forward to boot two goals alongside 29 disposals.
Both players were pivotal in the win and should poll votes.
| 3. Ed Richards | 2. Bailey Dale | 1. Nick Larkey |
Collingwood v Port Adelaide
The Magpies bounced back in a big way, smashing Port by 91 points.
Dan Houston, facing his old side, led the charge for Collingwood, showing exactly what he’ll bring in 2025.
Steele Sidebottom wound back the clock with 31 disposals, reminding everyone he’s still got plenty to offer.
| 3. Dan Houston | 2. Steele Sidebottom | 1. Connor Rozee |
Adelaide v St Kilda
The Crows are shaping as a real threat this season.
Captain Jordan Dawson was the most damaging player on the ground, finishing with 27 disposals and 2 goals while spending time forward.
Not far behind was Izak Rankine, who gathered 28 disposals and kicked 2 goals of his own.
Both were brilliant, with Dawson likely edging the votes.
| 3. Jordan Dawson | 2. Izak Rankine | 1. Jake Soligo |
Melbourne v GWS
Tom Green’s return was massive for the Giants, with the young gun leading the way in a hard-fought win over Melbourne at the MCG.
Finn Callaghan also backed up his strong opening round, continuing his good form to help get GWS over the line in a close contest.
| 3. Tom Green | 2. Finn Callaghan | 1. Max Gawn |
West Coast v Gold Coast
The Suns made a statement with a dominant 87-point win over the Eagles at Optus Stadium, silencing any talk of travel woes.
It was a midfield masterclass, with Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell, and Touk Miller all starring.
The trio tore the game apart, and the votes will stay within that midfield group.
| 3. Noah Anderson | 2. Matt Rowell | 1. Touk Miller |
We’ll be back again next week to break down the performances and track the Brownlow race as it unfolds.
Stay tuned for more tips and insights!
2025 AFL Brownlow Predictor Ladder:
| PLAYER | TEAM | VOTES |
| Finn Callaghan | GWS GIANTS | 5 |
| Will Day | Hawthorn Hawks | 3 |
| Noah Anderson | Gold Coast SUNS | 3 |
| Jordan Dawson | Adelaide Crows | 3 |
| Josh Dunkley | Brisbane Lions | 3 |
| Ed Richards | Western Bulldogs | 3 |
| Jye Caldwell | Essendon Bombers | 3 |
| Dan Houston | Collingwood Magpies | 3 |
| Jack Ross | Richmond Tigers | 3 |
| Bailey Smith | Geelong Cats | 3 |
| Tom Green | GWS GIANTS | 3 |