As we hit the colder months, the Brownlow Medal race is heating up as Round 13 saw close contests, Big Freeze moments, and crucial wins in wet conditions.
A few familiar names keep pressing their cases, while others are emerging at the right time of year.
Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn
Jai Newcombe led the charge for the Hawks in a much-needed win, finishing with 27 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 10 clearances, and a goal to lock in the 3 votes.
Mabior Chol was the main target up forward, kicking 4 goals in a low-scoring contest.
| 3. Jai Newcombe | 2. Mabior Chol | 1. Josh Weddle |
Adelaide vs Brisbane
Ben Keays is flying right now, adding another strong performance with 20 disposals and 3 goals to claim best-on-ground honours.
Will Ashcroft continued his steady form for Brisbane, racking up 31 disposals to earn votes again.
| 3. Ben Keays | 2. Will Ashcroft | 1. Jordan Dawson |
Richmond vs Sydney
Nick Blakey was unstoppable, gathering 34 disposals and a massive 916 metres gained to easily secure the 3 votes.
Brodie Grundy has now put together several dominant ruck displays, beating Toby Nankervis in the hitouts 51–24, along with 19 disposals and a goal.
| 3. Nick Blakey | 2. Brodie Grundy | 1. Isaac Heeney |
Geelong vs Gold Coast
Max Holmes filled the Bailey Smith-sized gap in the Geelong midfield perfectly, posting game highs with 40 disposals, 19 contested possessions, and 10 clearances.
One of the clearest 3-vote performances of the season.
| 3. Max Holmes | 2. Tyson Stengle | 1. Gryan Miers |
GWS vs Port Adelaide
Zak Butters was immense around stoppage, with 32 disposals, 20 contested possessions, and 12 clearances in a monster performance.
Tom Green wasn’t far behind for the Giants, also racking up big numbers – 31 disposals, 17 contested, and 11 clearances—but just trailing Butters in every key metric.
| 3. Zak Butters | 2. Tom Green | 1. Connor Rozee |
North Melbourne vs West Coast
It may have been the battle of the battlers, but Tristan Xerri again showed he’s North’s standout.
He monstered the Eagles in the middle with 22 disposals, 18 contested possessions, and 10 clearances, making it another 3-vote display.
| 3. Tristian Xerri | 2. Colby McKercher | 1. Jy Simpkin |
Carlton vs Essendon
Sam Walsh thrived in the wet, leading the Blues for both disposals and clearances in a tight win.
Nic Martin was everywhere for the Bombers, finishing with 32 disposals and a goal to comfortably take 2 votes.
| 3. Sam Walsh | 2. Nic Martin | 1. Tom De Koning |
Melbourne vs Collingwood
When you stop one Daicos, the other stands up.
Josh Daicos was rewarded with the Neale Daniher Trophy for his impact on Big Freeze 11, while Scott Pendlebury turned back the clock, once again standing tall for the Pies in the wet.
| 3. Josh Daicos | 2. Scott Pendlebury | 1. Jeremy Howe |
Tip of the Round:
Tom Green is the one to watch in the Brownlow race.
Currently sitting equal third on our leaderboard with 15 votes and still at juicy odds, now might be the perfect time to jump on before the market catches up.
2025 AFL Brownlow Predictor Ladder:
| Player | Team | Votes |
| Bailey Smith | Geelong | 17 |
| Jordan Dawson | Adelaide | 16 |
| Caleb Serong | Fremantle | 15 |
| Hugh McCluggage | Brisbane | 15 |
| Noah Anderson | Gold Coast | 15 |
| Tom Green | GWS | 15 |
| Max Gawn | Melbourne | 14 |
| Zak Butters | Port Adelaide | 14 |
| Zach Merrett | Essendon | 13 |
| Lachie Neale | Brisbane | 13 |
| Patrick Cripps | Carlton | 13 |
| Connor Rozee | Port Adelaide | 13 |
| Tristian Xerri | North Melbourne | 13 |
| Tom Liberatore | Western Bulldogs | 12 |
| Nick Daicos | Collingwood | 12 |