The four leading candidates for the 2021 Brownlow Medal

Following past years that eventuated to be one-horse races, the 2021 Brownlow Medal chase is as even as any.

A number of AFL stars have taken their turn in being the league’s standout performer, with those candidates now having just three games left to impress and poll votes.

While there are a number of runners in this race, we’ve narrowed it down to the four most likely victors that are a strong chance to take ‘Charlie’ home.

Marcus Bontempelli

The Bulldogs skipper is the current favourite for the Brownlow, with many believing the midfield star has already got at least eight best-on-ground performances in the bank, 

Despite a slowish start to his 2021 campaign, Bontempelli has led by example at the Bulldogs, who currently sit atop the AFL ladder after 20 rounds of action, with a minor premiership title a popular prediction for those using their bet365 promo code.

In what has been a career-best season for the three-time All-Australian, Bontempelli’s only fear should be his own teammates stealing votes from his run to the podium.

With the company of Jack Macrae, Josh Dunkley, Josh Bruce, Caleb Daniel and Bailey Dale also having a hand among Luke Beveridge’s best, ‘the Bont’ will be hoping they don’t interfere too much.

Clayton Oliver

Much like the aforementioned Bontempelli, Oliver’s biggest weakness is the stardom of those that surround him in the blue and red, with partner-in-crime Christian Petracca also tipped to be among the top-end of the vote-getters this season.

Oliver has had a stellar season in 2021, once again firming his name as one of the best contested ball winners in the competition.

His workrate in the engine room is sure to gauge the attention of the umpires, with some of his best performances even coming in defeats.

Should Oliver manage to poll well in games where his side failed to land premiership points, it could be the difference at the end of vote count.

Ollie Wines

It took until the latter stages of the season for people to begin to take note of Oliver’s Brownlow credentials for 2021.

The Port Adelaide star has quickly risen in the race for the league’s most coveted individual award, playing the leading role in a side contending for the premiership.

With no other clear competitor in teal set to steal votes from Wines, when Port Adelaide register wins, you can also bet that their gun ball-magnet will be among the plaudits for best afield.

Have Port Adelaide won enough to warrant Wines’ chances? Their final few rounds could prove the difference.

Sam Walsh

Unlike Wines, Walsh is sure to poll votes in a number of losses as well as victories. The Blues young gun has been head and shoulders above the rest of his teammates this season, a staggering reality given it’s his third year in the AFL.

The Blues have a record of 8-11 as they sit several places outside the top eight, with Walsh not only set to poll in a majority of those eight wins, but he might have a share of the votes in a number of those losses too.

The gun onballer has been so consistent in 2021, prompting some belief he could be the man to take home the Brownlow, albeit in a bottom 10 side. 

With the Blues needing wins to close out their home and away campaign and make finals, Walsh could bank some much needed votes in leading Carlton into Sepetember.