Brownlow Medal 2018: Tom Mitchell wins, photos from the red carpet at Crown Casino in Melbourne
Tom Mitchell has been awarded the 2018 Brownlow Medal.
The Hawthorn midfielder finished third last year, polling 25 votes, and has turned in a better season this year.
He had in excess of 100 disposals more than the next-best in the home-and-away season, averaging 36 a game.
Also fifth in the competition for frees for. Mitchell was a clear favourite with the bookies and pundits.
Hawthorn ball magnet Mitchell finished on 28 votes, bursting clear of Collingwood vice-captain Sidebottom with a nine-vote flurry between rounds 18 and 21.
Sidebottom finished runner-up on 24, while Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw made a late run to finish third on 21.
Who was in the running this year?
* DUSTIN MARTIN: The Richmond ace won last year's medal with a record 36 votes. Hasn't entirely recaptured that form but still produced at least four standout games and a number when if not best-afield, close to it. Averaged about 25 disposals a game and topped the league for inside 50s.
* MAX GAWN: A specialist ruckman hasn't won the Brownlow since Scott Wynd in 1992 but if anyone can end that streak it's the Melbourne star. Dominated the rucks with almost 150 more hit-outs than the next best in the home-and-away season. Second in the competition for contested marks, averaged 16 disposals a game.
* PATRICK CRIPPS: The Carlton gun was fifth in the competition for disposals, averaging 30 a game, and led the league average for contested possessions while also in the top-10 for tackles laid. Was simply outstanding in a number of games but how much will playing in a side that won just two games hurt his chances?
* CLAYTON OLIVER: The Melbourne midfielder has been sensational, averaging 30 disposals, seven tackles and five inside 50s a game. Is also top-10 for clearances. Rated a near-certainty to poll maximum votes in at least three games but will his teammate Gawn's excellence deny him full votes, or visa versa?
* BRODIE GRUNDY: The Collingwood ruck averaged 39 hit-outs a game, behind only Gawn, who averaged 45. But the Magpies star has arguably been the most influential big man around the ground, averaging 21 disposals a game including 12 contested possessions. Also top-20 for tackles laid in the league.
* ELLIOT YEO: The West Coast on-baller averaged 25 touches a game and plays with a flair that should catch the eye of umpires. Was behind only Martin for inside 50s and part of a winning side more often than not. But his suspended teammate Andrew Gaff could pinch votes.
* DAYNE BEAMS: The Brisbane star averaged 29 disposals a game and is rated a solid chance of at least four best-on-grounds. Polled 17 votes last season when the Lions won five games, the same as this season. A slowish start but will power home towards the end of the season.