At the end of each season, there is the obligatory discussion about who could take “Charlie” home. Footy fans stretch their memories back to games played several months prior in an effort to identify their club’s best chance at winning the coveted award.
This year NMFC.com.au is asking for your help to determine the three best players from each game and you can vote in the Mazda Spirit Awards for your best three Kangaroos.
Running NMFC fan leaderboard
5 – Todd Goldstein
3 – Brent Harvey, Ben Cunnington, Jarrad Waite
2 – Daniel Wells
Another North Melbourne victory means the Kangaroos will have the inside running for Brownlow votes, but there are plenty of candidates to choose from this week.
Here is the case for everyone in alphabetical order. We’ll pick our 3-2-1, followed by your chance to have your say.
Nathan Fyfe – Fremantle
Arguably the most influential of the Dockers, the 2015 Brownlow Medalist had 27 disposals and kicked four goals.
Although two of the goals came when the game was already decided, it’s still an eye-catching stat line.
Sam Gibson – NMFC
The unheralded Gibson is a critical link in the North side. His importance was on full display at Etihad Stadium, running just as hard at the end as he was at the start.
26 disposals and three goals was the reward.
Jamie Macmillan – NMFC
Macmillan gained more metres than any other Roo on the ground; his 666 coming from 26 disposals. 20 of them were uncontested, showing the type of role he was playing extremely well.
Lachie Neale – Fremantle
Neale had a game-high 35 disposals, eight more than anyone else on the field. 15 of them were contested, which was also higher than any other player.
Jarrad Waite – NMFC
Waite stepped up in the second half, with three of his four goals coming after the long break.
His marking – nine for the evening – was noticeable as the Dockers back six struggled to stay with him in the air.
Daniel Wells – NMFC
In less than 66 per cent game time, Wells had 25 disposals – 11 of them contested. Three direct score assists, the most of any Roo, showed the influence the veteran has close to goal.
Jack Ziebell – NMFC
North’s vice-captain was extremely influential, making his presence felt at all the right times. His two goals in the second quarter countered Fremantle’s momentum, and then he popped up with another crucial major in the final term.
Ziebell had eight clearances and seven inside 50’s in amongst his 26 disposals, constantly pumping the ball forward and putting the Fremantle defence under pressure.
NMFC.com.au’s Brownlow votes
3 – Jack Ziebell
2 – Nathan Fyfe
1 – Jarrad Waite
