Who could be leading your club's best and fairest award?

We’re now coming into the back-half of the 2020 season – so who is leading your team’s best and fairest?

They say winning a B&F in a premiership year is the ultimate award, but what about winning one when the entire competition has been thrown into disarray by COVID-19?

Some players have improved dramatically despite the tough circumstances and will be rewarded with their club’s top prize at season’s end.

Here are the players we believe are in the running for your side’s best and fairest award to this point in the season.

There are no real standouts for the Crows in what has been a very tough season to date.

Brodie Smith has been solid without setting the world on fire and would be attracting some votes in the first half of the campaign. Reilly O’Brien has played a lone hand in the ruck and has been an ever present. Despite missing three games through injury and putting up a pair of quiet outings, reigning best and fairest Brad Crouch would have to be in the mix at this point of the season.

Daniel Talia has been holding the backline together with help from Tom Doedee. The ball has been in their area frequently giving them plenty of looks. Tom Lynch and Rory Laird have been decent, recruit Ben Keays has been amongst plenty of action and despite being dropped recently, Matt Crouch is a known vote poller and gets too much of the ball for the vote givers to ignore.

It’s likely to be a bit of a raffle to find Adelaide’s 2020 Malcolm Blight Medallist.

Andrew Slevison

Lachie Neale

Given Lachie Neale is likely comfortably leading the Brownlow Medal, it is reasonable to assume he is also leading Brisbane’s best and fairest. Neale has been a consistently dominant performer all season, leading the Lions’ midfield from the front regardless of tags. In reduced quarters, he’s averaged 29 disposals, seven score involvements, six clearances, five marks and four inside 50s per game and has added another string to his bow, kicking a goal per game. It seems likely that he will win his second straight Merrett-Murray Medal.

Harris Andrews

The Brisbane vice-captain is probably the All-Australian full-back to this point in the year and therefore likely looms as a big vote-getter for the Lions. The only caveat on that was Andrews somehow only finishing 10th in Brisbane’s B&F leaderboard in 2019 despite a similarly excellent year. The key defender has only really been beaten once so far this season and that was in the side’s big loss to Richmond a few weeks ago. Other than that, he has continued his emergence as one of the best defenders in the league, both one-on-one and as an intercept marker.

Hugh McCluggage

Hugh McCluggage has developed into one of the most reliable wingmen in the game and continues to perform at a borderline All-Australian level. The 22-year-old has averaged 19 disposals, six score involvements and 300 metres gained so far this season and rarely plays a bad game. Expect McCluggage to be a prominent vote getter for the Lions on B&F night if he continues to have a huge influence on results for the Lions.

Others in the mix:

McCluggage edges out the likes of Darcy Gardiner, Charlie Cameron, Jarryd Lyons and Dayne Zorko for the third spot on this list.

Nic Negrepontis

Jacob Weitering

It’s taken Jacob Weitering a few years to find his feet at AFL level as a key defender – which is reasonable considering he was a young player in a struggling side – but he had a strong 2019 and has gone to another level in 2020. He’s as good as anyone in the competition when it comes to winning defensive one-on-ones and Max King is the only key forward that has managed to get the better of him so far this season.

Patrick Cripps

Patrick Cripps has had an odd year, clearly down on his output from previous seasons, but is also still having a big impact on results across the season. The Blues skipper is averaging 21 disposals per game, seven clearances and five score involvements per game, but has not been required to carry the entire load thanks to the emergence of Will Setterfield and Matthew Kennedy. Cripps likely isn’t leading Carlton’s best and fairest to this point in the season, but a strong finish could see him pinch his fourth John Nicholls Medal.

Jack Martin

Jack Martin has been everything Carlton hoped he would be this year, playing across half-forward and on-ball. He’s ranked highly for score involvements and goal assists so far this year, with his strong ball use making him a threat around the forward half. His contested marking inside 50 has also been an asset for the Blues throughout the year. He went down with a calf injury against West Coast and will be greatly missed over the next few weeks.

Others in the mix

Ed Curnow has had another consistently strong year and will be up there, Lachie Plowman polled well last year and has been better in 2020, Levi Casboult and Sam Walsh have also been consistent performers.

Brayden Maynard

Working out the top of Collingwood’s best and fairest is quite difficult, with quite a few players in good form, but none the clear stand out other than captain Scott Pendlebury. Unfortunately, he has missed three games now which likely means he is dropping places in the B&F standings. Maynard has had an excellent year as a lockdown medium-sized defender and has beaten most opponents he has been tasked with. He finished fifth in Collingwood’s B&F last year and has had a better season coupled with a more pronounced role, given the absence of Jeremy Howe.

Taylor Adams

Taylor Adams currently sits 8th in the AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year Award and has had an outstanding season playing as a pure on-baller for the Magpies. He has had to stand up this year, playing all 11 games while Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Adam Treloar come in and out of the side for various reasons. Adams has averaged 21 disposals, six clearances and five tackles per game so far this year and likely finds himself in or around the current All-Australian team. He has developed into the star midfielder Collingwood would have hoped for when they plucked him from GWS.

Brodie Grundy

Grundy hasn’t been quite as dominant this year as previous seasons, but as the current back-to-back winner of the Copeland Trophy, it’s clear he polls well in the eyes of coach Nathan Buckley and his staff. Grundy has still been among the best ruckmen in the game, averaging 35 hit-outs, 16 disposals and four clearances per game and has had some monster statistical performances, including Round 1 against the Western Bulldogs and Round 5 against GWS.

Others in the mix:

While the likes of Jack Crisp, Jamie Elliott, Darcy Moore and Pendlebury are right in the mix for the third spot on this list, Grundy gets the edge based on a strong year and previous vote-getting form.

Nic Negrepontis

Andrew McGrath

Essendon’s struggles in midfield without captain Dyson Heppell have been well documented but in the skipper’s absence, McGrath has completed his move into the middle and in doing so has become one of his side’s most important players. Playing every game so far, he’s averaged 22 touches and six marks and should be leading the club’s best and fairest at this stage.

Jordan Ridley

Ridley’s improvement has been a genuine good news story at the Bombers, especially considering both Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker are in the twilight of their careers. His football nous and ability to win the ball in flight and take crucial contested marks has been a hallmark of his game this season.

Adam Saad

There’s been a clear game style shift this year away from slingshot off half-back but that hasn’t hurt Saad, who has been a key attacking threat despite still playing in defence. He deserves to be in best and fairest contention at this point in the season and is crucial for an Essendon side that still relies on his speed and ability to find a target coming out of defence.

Laurence Rosen

Matt Taberner

It’s been a pleasing first half of the season for the Fremantle big man, who lead the club’s goalkicking standings with 18 after 11 rounds and has been a constant presence for his side. He’s arguably having a career-best year, ranking second in total contested marks in the competition and fourth in marks inside 50 this season. He’s also one of only three players in the AFL who has kicked a goal in every game he’s played in.

Andrew Brayshaw

The silky midfielder is thriving under the more expansive role he’s playing in 2020 and deserves to be well in contention for Fremantle’s best and fairest award this season. Brayshaw’s poise in the middle and ability to hit a target have been key features of a much-improved season from the top draft pick, averaging 19 touches and four tackles from 10 games. He also had a season-best 33-disposals in his side’s 16-point win over Hawthorn in Round 11.

Michael Walters

Walters may have been troubled by a hamstring injury of late but his form in the first eight weeks of the season puts him well within best and fairest contention. The 2019 All-Australian has averaged 20 touches and kicked eight goals this year and remains one of his side’s most important players. He had a season-high 28 touches against Brisbane in Round 2 and has kicked multiple goals on three separate occasions this year, highlighting his importance both in the middle and up forward. Fremantle have dramatically improved since losing their first four matches of 2020 and when Walters returns in the coming weeks, that improvement should only increase.

Laurence Rosen

Sam Menegola

Sam Menegola’s career-best season as put him in the conversation to earn a maiden All-Australian selection. The in-form midfielder leads the Cats for average disposals, effective disposals and uncontested possessions while chipping in with just under a goal a game. Underrated for much of his career the 28-year-old is now getting the plaudits his performances deserve.

Mitch Duncan

Mitch Duncan’s poise and decision making – especially when delivering the ball inside 50, is crucial to the makeup of Geelong’s engine room. Duncan has once again been a model of consistency averaging a tick over 20 disposals a game. The classy Cat has also hit the scoreboard on a regular basis chipping in with nine goals from 10 matches. He's also creating goal scoring opportunities for teammates sitting third in goal assists and score involvements.

Tom Hawkins

The spearhead is one of Geelong’s most indispensable players. Multiple goals on eight occasions – including a haul of five against St Kilda - has seen Hawkins jump to equal first in the Coleman Medal race. The All-Australian forward also leads the AFL for goal assists.

Others in the mix:

Cam Guthrie, Patrick Dangerfield and Mark Blicavs have also been superb for the third-placed Cats.

Alex Zaia

Touk Miller

At some of Gold Coast’s lowest ebbs in their nine-year history, Touk Miller has by and large been there so it’s pleasing to see him starring at the club as they continue their improvement under Stuart Dew. Miller finished sixth in the club’s best and fairest award last year and based off his current form, he’s well on track to improve on that. He’s ranked inside the top 15 players for tackles this year and in the top 20 for contested possessions, highlighting the crucial inside midfield role he plays at the Suns. Even at just 24, he’s one of the club’s more experienced midfielders and one of their most important players.

Brandon Ellis

Richmond’s loss is Gold Coast’s gain and in his first season at the Suns, the 27-year-old has more than proven his worth, slotting into the side magnificently. What Ellis offers in midfield is an added dash of pace, in fact only seven players in the competition have bounced the ball more than him this year. A young and emerging side needs a player like Ellis and he’s been fantastic so far in 2020.

Hugh Greenwood

Hugh Greenwood is the AFL’s tackle king and is another player recruited from an opposition club who is starring for the Suns in 2020. An average of 17 touches doesn’t tell the full story, with his contested work being a clear stand out not just for the Suns but across the competition overall. Statistically he’s one of the league’s best contested players, ranking fifth in contested possessions and sixth in clearances.

Laurence Rosen

Lachie Whitfield

Whitfield has been GWS’ most consistent performer to this point of the season. To his name he has seven returns of 24 or more disposals and is constantly at the forefront of the action. He is enjoying numbers comparable (taking into account shortened games) to his 2018 Kevin Sheedy Medal year and if he continues in this vein, he will be in the Giants’ count for a very long way.

Josh Kelly

Another former best and fairest winner (in 2017), Kelly is enjoying a fairly solid season indeed. Similar to Whitfield, fellow midfielder Kelly has been super consistent barring a couple of subpar showings early in the season. He is averaging 22 disposals with his four most recent outings suggesting he is returning to his absolute best.

Nick Haynes

Haynes plays a pivotal role for the Giants as their number one intercept defender. He is having arguably a better season than last year when he finished fourth. He comfortably leads the league for marks and ranks in the top five for intercepts while elsding the Giants for kicks and rebound 50s.

Others in the mix:

Toby Greene is the club’s most important player. When he plays well the Giants generally win and even though he’s effectively played six games so far, he was vital in a handful of those. Harry Perryman was in stellar form early in the campaign and could be a runaway leader prior to his form somewhat dropping off over the past month while Jacob Hopper is another on-baller who has been consistent and skipper Stephen Coniglio has found his best form of late.

Andrew Slevison

James Sicily

It hasn’t been a great year from the Hawks by any stretch, but Sicily has probably been their best player so far this season and likely the clubhouse leader in the Peter Crimmins Medal. Sicily is the leading intercept player in the AFL and his 14 contested marks ranks no.2 in the competition for defenders. The Hawks have also thrown him forward at times and he took a brilliant mark in the final term against the Dockers, but his footy smarts and elite ball use makes him too valuable down back. He has also made great progress with his temperament in 2020 and is not as easily rattled.

Tom Mitchell

Pleasingly, he has played every game this season after missing all of last season and his disposal numbers are starting to grow, although at 23.9 per game, it is not yet to the level of his 2018 Brownlow Medal campaign. His kicking efficiency is probably not where it should be, but numbers suggest he has been Hawthorn’s best midfielder.

Jack Gunston

It has been a hard slog watching the Hawthorn forward line this year. Imagine playing in it. Gunston has made a reasonable fist of it, with 16 goals including bags of three against GWS and Carlton. He was battled injury last year and through the pre-season of this year but has been in good touch since the game’s resumption.

Others in the mix:

Sam Frost, James Frawley and Chad Wingard have also enjoyed good seasons in stages. In his debut seaosn, Will Day has yet to play poorly.

Ash Browne

Christian Petracca

All manner of praise has been heaped on Petracca in the first half of the season and for good reason – there’s a fair chance he’s leading Melbourne’s best and fairest right now. There’s been questions over his consistency over the course of his career so far but in 2020, he’s gone to another level and averaged 24 touches in shortened matches, a fantastic return for such a crucial player to the way the Demons play. Petracca is a natural ball winner with the ability to burst away from stoppages and break open the play, showing shown throughout this year how explosive he can be. He’s also kicked eight goals from 10 games, highlighting just how damaging he can be on the scoreboard as well as in general play.

Clayton Oliver

Oliver’s ability as a pure ball winner has never been in question and for that alone, he’s comfortably in Melbourne’s top three players in 2020 as it stands. Over the past few weeks, he’s started to become more damaging by foot. The 23-year-old went at 80 per cent in Round 11 against North Melbourne, backing up a 34-disposal game against the Crows in Round 10 where he went at 73 per cent efficiency. Tougher tests are to come but if he can make his possessions count more, he’s a good chance at winning Melbourne’s best and fairest award come the end of the season.

Jack Viney

Viney has played all but one game this season and shown his worth as vice-captain under Max Gawn’s leadership. An ultra-consistent presence in the middle for Melbourne, Viney has averaged 21 touches and four tackles this season and looked good throughout. If he can stay fit and continue his good form alongside Oliver and Petracca in the middle, the Dees could be an outside chance of playing finals in 2020.

Laurence Rosen

Todd Goldstein

Todd Goldstein is arguably having the best year of his career. The 32-year-old is one of the leading clearance players in the competition and has almost singlehandedly kept North Melbourne’s midfield competitive while they’re missing a number of key players. Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy have received all the plaudits in recent years, while Nic Naitanui gets a lot of praise for his tap work, but Goldstein has been as good as anyone this year and is likely the All-Australian ruckman. He would be comfortably leading North Melbourne’s best and fairest right now.

Jy Simpkin

Simpkin has had a breakout year for the Kangaroos and proven he is the on-baller who will lead them for a decade. Simpkin has been thrown into the fire in recent weeks, needing to pick up the slack in the absence of Ben Cunnington and Jack Ziebell. He has averaged 21 disposals this year, up from 19 last year (take into account shorter quarters). Simpkin is a good ball user and will provide a great foil for Cunnington when he returns.

Luke McDonald

Luke McDonald has had his role changed this year, moving from dour defender to ball winning attacker. Whether it’s on-ball, on the wing or coming out of the backline, McDonald has likely done everything asked of him by coach Rhyce Shaw – something that would lead to B&F votes. He’s averaging 18 disposals per game, up from 15 last year (take into account shorter quarters again) and has also successfully tagged a few midfielders when asked to.

Others in the mix

Shaun Higgins has not dropped away this year and has been one of North Melbourne’s best, while Robbie Tarrant remains one of the best key defenders in the competition. Unfortunately being a key defender in a losing team likely hurts his chances.

Nic Negrepontis

Travis Boak

Port Adelaide’s resurgence in 2020 has been largely thanks to the prolific ball-winning ability of Travis Boak. The Power veteran’s career renaissance has continued into this season averaging 21.4 disposals per match – the most of any Port player. The former skipper also leads the Power for score involvements, goal assists and total clearances. A third All-Australian gong beckons for the 32-year-old.

Charlie Dixon

A fit and firing Charlie Dixon is a daunting prospect for opposition defences. Dixon’s presence and strong making ability has given the Power’s forward line a whole new dimension with his 35 contested marks the most of any player in the AFL. His 21 goals places him equal second in the Coleman Medal putting him in the frame for a maiden All-Australia blazer.

Tom Jonas

Tom Jonas has let his football do the talking after questions were raised about his capability to solely skipper the side. The unassuming defender has been an unsung hero in marshalling the defence recording the most spoils, one percenters and intercept possessions of any Power player.

Alex Zaia

Dustin Martin

It hasn’t been Martin’s most consistent season thus far but he’s been Richmond’s most brilliant player once again. With some of the side’s other stars sidelined by injury and for personal reasons, Dusty has taken on plenty of the load and kept the Tigers on the right track. He’s enjoyed a handful of great games, three of those being huge performances, but been only fair in three or four others. The 2016/17 Jack Dyer Medallist may have a slender lead to this point of the season.

Shai Bolton

An impressive youngster who may be attracting votes with the job he is doing in midfield. Bolton has stepped into a key on-ball role in the absence of Dion Prestia and Shane Edwards and prior to that when Trent Cotchin was sidelined. Since returning to the side in Round 6, Bolton has been one of Richmond’s most consistent players in what is fast becoming a breakout season as a damaging midfielder. Bolton sits just behind Martin for inside 50s and clearances and leads the Tigers for score involvements and centre clearances.

Nick Vlastuin

Vlastuin has played an essential role in defence and is by far the Tigers’ best intercept player in 2020. He leads by example with his fearless attack on the ball and simply gets the job done week in, week out. He had a career-best finish of fourth last year and has put himself in a good position to poll well again this year.

Others in the mix:

Dylan Grimes is a model of consistency and always does his job well, Liam Baker has taken the next step in 2020 and Jayden Short is getting plenty of the ball and generally uses it well in an important role off half-back.

Andrew Slevison

Jack Steele

Jack Steele is enjoying a career-best season and is in the mix to become an All-Australian for the first time. The big-bodied midfielder averages 21 disposals, 5.7 tackles and 4.4 clearances per game in 2020 and is fourth in the AFL coaches’ votes after Round 11. Steele is one of the most improved players in the competition and has emerged as a contender to succeed Jarryn Geary as skipper.

Dan Butler

Dan Butler has proved a shrewd acquisition from reigning premiers Richmond. Butler has been nothing short of sensational kicking 21 goals in 10 games to sit equal second in the Coleman Medal race. The small forward has been key in St Kilda’s seven wins in 2020 kicking multiple goals on eight occasions.

Zak Jones

One of five high-profile off-season recruits, Zak Jones has given St Kilda’s midfield a much-needed injection of speed. The former Swan’s ability to break away from stoppages has been a feature as well his grunt at the contest. Jones has been a hit in his debut season as a Saint.

Alex Zaia

Tom Papley

Sydney’s forward line has been decimated by injury but Tom Papley has stood tall in the face of adversity. The Swans star has played a lone hand in attack, kicking 21 goals in 10 games - the equal second most of any player in the competiton. Papley has contributed multiple goals on six occasions, including two bags of four, as his stocks to continue to rise.

Dane Rampe

Dane Rampe remains an integral figure down back for Sydney. Rampe’s experience, versatility and leadership makes him indispensable in a young Swans side. The Swans co-captain has spent 94.1 per cent of 2020 on the ground highlighting his importance in marshalling inexperienced Sydney’s defence. He leads the Swans for spoils and one percenters.

Luke Parker

Luke Parker has had to shoulder a greater midfield workload with partner in crime Josh Kennedy sidelined through injury. The champion Swan sits equal third for tackles and equal sixth for clearances in the competition and continues to embody the famous ‘Bloods’ culture in what has been a trying season for the club.

Alex Zaia

Nic Naitanui

It’s hard to split the top Eagles chances but Naitanui would no doubt be polling well. Finally, the best tap ruckman in the game has been able to get some continuity with an injury-free season to date. He may not get much of the ball but Naitanui’s influence on the game is immense. He consistently gives his midfielders first use and the way he plays is vital to the Eagles winning which will be duly noted in the coaches box.

Elliot Yeo

He has a great record in the West Coast best and fairest, winning the John Worsfold Medal in both 2017 and 2018 and running second to Luke Shuey last year. Yeo’s numbers have not been as prolific as previous years but the shortened quarters are to blame for that. He is in and under at almost every contest and provides plenty of attacking drive as well as assisting the defence in his crucial role as a two-way midfield runner.

Dom Sheed and Tim Kelly

Sheed is enjoying arguably his most consistent season and doing a job each and every week for Adam Simpson. He’s had six 20+ disposal games and along with Kelly has been getting better as the season has progressed - their form coinciding with West Coast wins. First-year Eagle Kelly has found his feet now and is putting up solid numbers.

Others in the mix:

Veteran forward Josh Kennedy would have polled well in a handful of games while Andrew Gaff and Brad Sheppard have both been consistent on the wing and across half-back respectively.

Andrew Slevison

Caleb Daniel

Daniel has had an outstanding year for the Bulldogs, with his excellent ball use by foot proving lethal across half-back early in the season and just as damaging further up the ground in recent weeks. The Western Bulldogs want the ball in his hands as often as possible and for good reason. Daniel kicks at 82 per cent efficiency and does so pulling off attacking kicks that set up scoring chains, unlike most defenders who have high efficiency, but take easy options. Expect Daniel to be around the All-Australian side if his form continues and the rebounding defender would be right up there if the club’s best and fairest took place now.

Jack Macrae

In a year with reduced quarters, Jack Macrae has found a way to average 27 disposals per game. He’s been in red-hot form in recent weeks too, picking up a staggering 40 touches against the Lions, 27 against Port Adelaide (the most on the ground) and 37 against Richmond. He wins a lot of the ball on the inside of stoppages, but can also get the job done on the wing when required given the Dogs’ depth of options inside. He has had a hugely consistent year and would be among the All-Australian midfield to this point in the season.

Mitch Wallis

Mitch Wallis is comfortably the Bulldogs’ leading goal kicker so far this year and has done an excellent job as both a marking target inside 50 and a defensive pressure player. Wallis has kicked 16 goals, a number that would be closer to 20 if the blood rule hadn’t pinched a couple off him in recent weeks. The 27-year-old has become a reliable option inside 50 and a consistent performer as a marking target in a year where the Dogs have struggled to work out their forward structure.

Nic Negrepontis