FOLLOWERS
Max Gawn (Melbourne)
In a hellish season for the Demons, very few players have stood out and matched last seasonโs efforts. However, Max Gawn is the obvious exception with the big man once again competing with Collingwoodโs Brodie Grundy for the title of the competitionโs best ruckman. Up against in-form Kangaroos ruckman Todd Goldstein, Gawn dominated all around the ground, finishing with 26 touches (20 contested), 10 clearances, eight marks, 41 hitouts (15 to advantage) and a bag of three goals.
Lachie Neale (Brisbane)
Nealeโs monumental effort against the Tigers may be the one that secures a maiden Brownlow Medal for the former Docker turned Lion. A huge part of the Lions' top-two finish, Neale finished with video game-like numbers on Sunday, joining the illustrious 50+ disposal club; with Nealeโs 51 disposals ranking as the fourth-highest ever recorded. Incredibly, Neale finished with 88 per cent disposal efficiency, while also finishing with 14 clearances, six marks, six tackles and five score involvements. Donโt be surprised if Neale becomes the first Lion since Simon Black in 2002 to finish with the Brownlow around his neck come the end of September.
Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
Speaking of Brownlow Medallists, Patrick Dangerfield was once again in a dominant mood for the Cats as they romped to a 68-point victory over Carlton. Dangerfield had 34 disposals (18 contested), won 12 clearances, gained 818 metres, took five marks, laid six tackles, had nine inside 50s and kicked 4.3, in a performance that will certainly make opposition coaches and players very nervous coming into finals action.
