After 11 rounds, we felt it the right time of the year to take a look at each AFL club and their key best and fairest hopes.
Taking a different mindset in as opposed to a Brownlow Medal deep dive, we have dissected all 18 clubs and put forward who we believe are the leading contenders as well as those in the mix at the halfway point of the 2021 season.
See our analysis below:
LEADING CONTENDERS: Rory Laird and Taylor Walker
There is no clear-cut leader at the Crows, but there are two standout candidates.
Rory Laird has flourished as a midfielder after spending most of his career on the half-back flank. He is averaging 30 disposals, almost seven clearances and six tackles. The 2018 Malcom Blight Medallist is well on his way to a second club champion award.
Taylor Walker has turned back the clock in 2021. He was a runaway leader in the Coleman Medal race early before a couple of quiet matches. His mojo has returned the last two weeks and he has now booted 34 goals which is double the next Crow in Shane McAdam. The former skipper has put himself in a strong position to claim a first best and fairest award.
IN THE MIX: Ben Keays, Paul Seedsman, Reilly O’Brien, Tom Doedee
Ben Keays has worked well in unison with Laird, picking up plenty of the ball in his second season as a Crow, while Paul Seedsman is in career-best form.
Workhorse ruckman Reilly O’Brien is putting together another strong season and Tom Doedee has been solid in defence.
The reliable Brodie Smith has been thereabouts yet again while skipper Rory Sloane (two-time winner) has missed four matches but has been super consistent in the seven games he’s played.
Andrew Slevison
LEADING CONTENDER: Hugh McCluggage
Hugh McCluggage is the clear front runner to take out the Lions’ 2021 best and fairest. Not only that, but he may just be right up in the Brownlow Medal count at this point. With Lachie Neale out, McCluggage has spent more time at stoppages, and has been rewarded with career-best numbers in disposals, marks and tackles, while sitting second in the competition for goal assists. His form has been a key part of Brisbane’s resurgence since Round 5, and he could genuinely have six best afield games just 11 rounds into the season.
IN THE MIX: Brandon Starcevich, Jarryd Lyons, Dayne Zorko
Brandon Starcevich has enjoyed a breakout campaign thus far, being tasked negating the opposition’s best small or medium forward each week. Could earn an All-Australian blazer if his form continues.
Contested beast Jarryd Lyons has been as consistent as ever, averaging more than 27 disposals a game.
Four-time Merrett-Murray medallist Dayne Zorko has also been solid, with his form taking a jump in recent weeks. He could push up the leader board if his latest run continues.
Lachlan Geleit
LEADING CONTENDERS: Sam Walsh and Jacob Weitering
Sam Walsh’s incredible consistency will see him poll many votes in the John Nicholls Medal. He has averaged 30 disposals so far this season and has barely had a poor performance. Walsh has overtaken Patrick Cripps as the best player in the Carlton midfield and has held up his end of the bargain for the Blues.
Carlton’s defensive issues are well known, but it’s hard to fathom how much worse they would be if not for Jacob Weitering. Likely the current All-Australian full-back, Weitering is one of the best one-on-one defenders in the league and knows when and where to come off his man and intercept.
IN THE MIX: Patrick Cripps and Harry McKay
Harry McKay leads the Coleman Medal and should poll well in Carlton’s best and fairest, but he will probably be a tier behind Weitering and Walsh after 11 rounds.
After those three, it drops right away. Patrick Cripps has had a rollercoaster of a year and the B&F will reflect that. Defenders Sam Docherty, Liam Jones and Adam Saad have been steady, but not spectacular and Ed Curnow has been a constant presence.
Nic Negrepontis
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LEADING CONTENDERS: Darcy Moore and Brodie Grundy
Darcy Moore started the season on fire as a key defender, and was clearly Collingwood’s best player until being flipped forward in Round 5. While he didn’t make much of an impact inside attacking 50, Moore has returned to his best since settling back into his centre half-back position. The intercepting star would have been leading the count by a fair margin if he didn’t spend those three weeks out of position.
Brodie Grundy has quietly returned to his best in 2021. He’s probably been Collingwood’s most consistent player. He’s rated elite for disposals, hit-outs, goals and tackles for a ruckman, but an expected three-week break on the sidelines with a neck injury could allow Moore to create some breathing space between the pair.
The are probably the Magpies’ only All-Australian hopes after enjoying great early-season form.
IN THE MIX: Jack Crisp, Scott Pendlebury, Jordan Roughead
Jack Crisp along with Grundy has been ultra-consistent for the Magpies. Has done a job both down back and in the midfield, and should feature near the top of the count.
Ageless veteran Scott Pendlebury has been solid as always despite battling injury and being shifted around the ground.
While Jordan Roughead has enjoyed his best season to date in black and white with his no-fuss approach serving the Magpies well down back.
Lachlan Geleit
LEADING CONTENDERS: Darcy Parish and Zach Merrett
Essendon’s midfield has been a large part of their improvement this year and there’s two leading contenders to take out their best and fairest award at the halfway point of the season.
Darcy Parish has made the move into the midfield after Dylan Shiel’s injury earlier in the season and he’s taken full advantage of the role shift to become one of the most in-form on-ballers in the competition. At the halfway point of the season, he could be in Brownlow contention as well as near the top of Essendon’s best and fairest standings.
Zach Merrett may still be out of contract, but that hasn’t stopped him from dominating in the middle for the Bombers. Alongside Parish, he’s been Essendon’s best player this year.
IN THE MIX: Andrew McGrath and Nick Hind
Andrew McGrath’s role has also slightly shifted as a result of injuries to other players, with the former number one draft pick playing a more inside midfield role to great effect. Nick Hind has been fantastic off half-back, filling the void left by Adam Saad’s departure seamlessly.
Laurence Rosen
LEADING CONTENDER: David Mundy
It’s hard to fathom that at 35, David Mundy could be comfortably leading his club’s best and fairest but, he in all likelihood, is. Mundy has been a consistent force through the middle for the Dockers and is having what might be a career-best season. He has averaged 26 disposals per game and stood up particularly in home games at Optus Stadium. Mundy’s disposals have an impact. He averages eight score involvements per game to go with six clearances and five inside 50s.
IN THE MIX: Nathan Fyfe, Andrew Brayshaw, James Aish, Matt Taberner
After Mundy, captain Nathan Fyfe will likely feature prominently given his standing in the side, although he has had a down year overall. Kicking 5.17 obviously does not help.
Andrew Brayshaw will be right up there with Mundy at the top as he continues to improve as a permanent midfielder. Partner in crime Adam Cerra will poll well, but has missed a few games.
Matt Taberner is the dominant hand for the Dockers inside 50, having kicking 27 goals, but has missed a game and was injured early in another, hurting his voting potential. James Aish has been a strong performer across the season and also deserves a mention.
Nic Negrepontis
LEADING CONTENDER: Cam Guthrie
Cam Guthrie won the Carji Greeves Medal last year and is the hot favourite to make it back-to-back honours if he can continue his strong first half of the year. Guthrie may have missed last week’s match due to a shoulder injury, but he should be fit and firing after the bye.
IN THE MIX: Tom Stewart, Mitch Duncan, Joel Selwood
Defender Tom Stewart has been at his intercepting best this year and is well in the frame for Geelong’s best and fairest award at the halfway point.
Mitch Duncan has found plenty of the footy in the midfield, while captain Joel Selwood is showing no signs of slowing down.
Laurence Rosen
LEADING CONTENDERS: Touk Miller and Noah Anderson
It’s been a hot and cold year for Gold Coast, but Touk Miller has taken his game to another level. Miller is having a career-best year and would be in the mix to make the initial All-Australian squad of 40. Averaging a tick under 30 disposals and 6.6 tackles a game, Suns coach Stuart Dew loves his “ultra-consistent” vice-captain.
Another Sun having an outstanding season is young midfielder Noah Anderson. The second-year Sun started the year strongly with three 30-plus disposal games in the first six rounds. He continues to flourish as an inside midfielder.
IN THE MIX: Hugh Greenwood and Ben King
Hugh Greenwood brings steel and toughness to Gold Coast’s midfield. The ex-Crow is ranked No.1 for tackles in the AFL and is in the top five for total clearances and stoppage clearances. Has been an outstanding recruit for the Suns.
It’s only a matter of time before Ben King becomes a genuine star of the competition. King, 20, spearheads Gold Coast’s attack and currently sits fourth in the Coleman Medal with 32 majors and is ranked fifth in the AFL for marks inside 50.
Alex Zaia
LEADING CONTENDER: Jacob Hopper
GWS’ most consistent player so far in 2021 has been Jacob Hopper. The midfielder has picked up a minimum of 25 disposals in nine of his 11 outings and has upped his output in clearances and inside 50s. Now in his sixth season with the Giants, Hopper has been a mainstay in the engine room and appears to have taken on extra on-field responsibility. After finishing third in 2019 and equal fourth last year, Hopper is primed to win his maiden Kevin Sheedy Medal.
IN THE MIX: Josh Kelly, Toby Greene, Tim Taranto, Callan Ward
The form of 2017 best and fairest Josh Kelly has somewhat flown under the radar and would sit just behind Hopper in the standings, with 2019 winner Tim Taranto also knocking firmly on the door. He is averaging a career-best 29.7 touches. The club’s barometer Toby Greene started like a house on fire and maintained his strong form prior to a shoulder injury, while veteran midfielder Callan Ward has rediscovered his very best after two injury interrupted seasons.
Dashing defenders Isaac Cumming and Lachie Ash have both been impressive but perhaps not quite at the pointy end of the votes.
Andrew Slevison
LEADING CONTENDERS: Tom Mitchell and Jack Scrimshaw
Tom Mitchell is finding the ball with the same ease as his Brownlow year. While his impact per touch would not be on the same level as others in the side, he always leads the way on-ball. Mitchell has averaged 33 disposals per game this season and aside from a quieter performance against the Suns, has been prolific across the year.
Jack Scrimshaw has quietly put together an excellent season down back for the Hawks. He has had a reliable and consistent impact, averaging six marks per game, four rebound 50s and 21 disposals. Scrimshaw is the sort of player who will likely not feature in Brownlow voting, but will be loved by his coaches and teammates on B&F night.
IN THE MIX: Jarman Impey, Chad Wingard, Jaeger O’Meara, Changkuoth Jiath
Hawthorn has had a tough year, but they would be happy with what they’ve got from their new-look backline. Scrimshaw has been excellent, while Jarman Impey and Changkuoth Jiath will both feature prominently on B&F night as things stand.
Chad Wingard has been impactful in his eight games, averaging 21 disposals, but missing three matches likely sees him a few votes off the top.
Jaeger O’Meara is in the same boat having also played just eight games. He has averaged 27 disposals per game and seven clearances and been excellent when out on the park.
Nic Negrepontis
LEADING CONTENDERS: Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver
The ladder leaders have two standouts at the halfway point of the 2021 season.
Clayton Oliver has been at the heart of everything good about Melbourne this year, with his standout performance ironically coming in the club’s one and only loss so far against Adelaide. Oliver has tidied up his ball use in 2021 and has been a focal point of the Dees midfield.
Christian Petracca has been at his damaging best so far this season, averaging 28 touches from 11 games as well as booting 11 goals. The reigning Melbourne best and fairest winner is well placed to make it two from two.
IN THE MIX: Christian Salem, Tom McDonald, Max Gawn
Often flying under the radar, Christian Salem has been a key part of the Dees this year, while fresh off a tumultuous off-season where he was told to find a new home, Tom McDonald has returned to Melbourne and starred up forward.
Captain Max Gawn is well in the mix too, dominating in the ruck for much of the season.
Laurence Rosen
LEADING CONTENDER: Jack Ziebell
Jack Ziebell would be comfortably leading North Melbourne’s best and fairest right now. His move into defence has been one of the few highlights of the Roos’ season so far. Yes, you could say he gets a lot of cheap ball, but he has provided leadership and rebound for a side that has desperately needed it. On top of that, there aren’t many Kangaroos who have even played every game this year.
IN THE MIX: Ben McKay, Ben Cunnington, Aaron Hall, Jy Simpkin
Jy Simpkin is one of the few who have played 11 games and he has been a consistent performer through the midfield. He broke out in 2020 and has continued on nicely in trying circumstances.
Aaron Hall and Ben Cunnington have both missed matches, but have frequently been in the club’s best so far this season. Hall is another who has been successfully redeployed in defence, while Cunnington gets the job done on-ball regardless of the match situation.
Ben McKay has been one of the breakout players of the season at full-back and has a big future ahead of him.
Nic Negrepontis
LEADING CONTENDERS: Ollie Wines and Travis Boak
Ollie Wines and Travis Boak are crucial to Port Adelaide’s premiership hopes. Wines is on track for a maiden All-Australian blazer with the Power star averaging just over 31 disposals and five clearances per game. A bull at the contest, Wines is enjoying the best season of his nine-year AFL career.
His partner in crime Boak just keeps on keeping on. The former Power skipper is showing no signs of slowing down and is a chance to add a third John Cahill Medal to his already impressive CV.
IN THE MIX: Aliir Aliir and Karl Amon
Intercept defender Aliir Aliir has been without doubt one of the recruits of the year so far. The ex-Swan has been imposing in defence and damaging with his ability to rebound and orchestrate attacks off half-back. Leads Port Adelaide for intercepts and is ranked second for contested marks and defensive rebounds.
The emergence of Karl Amon has been a major positive for Port. Amon is in the conversation for the wing position in this year’s All-Australian team. The improved 25-year-old has recorded more metres gained than any other Power player and averages just over 23 touches a game.
Alex Zaia
LEADING CONTENDERS: Shai Bolton and Dustin Martin
As is normally the case with the Tigers, there are plenty of best and fairest candidates.
Shai Bolton, despite missing two games, has been in superb form and as evidenced by this fourth placing last year can attract votes from the coaching staff. He is averaging career highs in disposals, clearance and inside 50s, and is constantly taking his game to loftier heights.
Superstar Dustin Martin is never far away in Jack Dyer Medal voting and this year is no exception. He has endured a couple of very quiet games but has been a match-winner on a few occasions and has shown enough to bank some votes in the first half of the season.
IN THE MIX: Jack Riewoldt, Toby Nankervis, Liam Baker
Right in behind the top two is a fierce chasing pack led by veteran forward Jack Riewoldt, who is on track for his best goal return since kicking 70 in 2018 when he last won the Coleman Medal. Ruckman Toby Nankervis has been a warrior and is enjoying another strong season, but will now spend some time on the sidelines with a PCL injury. The tenacious and versatile Liam Baker polled well last year and has arguably been better in 2021.
Last year’s winner Jayden Short, now extremely reliable defender Nathan Broad and the hard-working Jack Graham could all have a case.
Andrew Slevison
LEADING CONTENDER: Jack Steele
Jack Steele has been St Kilda’s best and most reliable player so far in 2021. Steele has been a consistent performer which is in stark contrast to the Jekyll and Hyde Saints. The reigning best and fairest winner is putting together another terrific season, averaging 26 disposals, 7.5 tackles and 5.5 clearances per game. Elevated to co-captain in the pre-season, Steele looks to inspire his teammates with his actions.
IN THE MIX: Dougal Howard
It’s been a tough year for the Saints with many players performing well below the required level. Injuries to key players also hasn’t helped. Vice-captain Dougal Howard has battled manfully in defence and you can never question his commitment. Howard leads the AFL for spoils and has recorded more one percenters and defensive rebounds than any other Saint. On track for another top three finish in the best and fairest.
Alex Zaia
LEADING CONTENDERS: Luke Parker and Callum Mills
Luke Parker has been Sydney’s most consistent player, never dipping below 20 disposals in any game thus far. The contested beast has helped the Swans form a formidable clearance brigade. You know what you’re going to get from the 28-year-old star, and he’ll be right near the top again with a chance to claim his third Bob Skilton medal.
Callum Mills has benefited from almost exclusively playing as a midfielder in 2021. His clearance numbers have increased from 1.1 per game in 2020 to 5 this season, he’s also seen a big jump in disposals, inside 50s and tackles. Like Parker, he’s been extremely consistent throughout and should poll well.
Both Parker and Mills have been crucial in the Swans’ resurgence in 2021.
IN THE MIX: Tom Hickey, Tom McCartin, Isaac Heeney
Tom Hickey has been the recruit of the season after crossing from the Eagles. His tap work around the ground and follow up effort has helped revamp a firing Swans midfield.
Tom McCartin has been impressive as a centre half-back. He has developed into a great interceptor as well as having the ability to shut down dangerous key forwards.
Isaac Heeney has been electric when on song and could slot into the All-Australian team. Started the year well before injuring his hand, but looks back at his best now and should build throughout the season.
Lachlan Geleit
LEADING CONTENDER: Tim Kelly
With skipper Luke Shuey and aerobic beast Elliot Yeo having featured in only one game apiece to the midway point, Tim Kelly has devoured the inside minutes tipped onto his plate.
He has become a top-five centre clearance player in the game, and his overall clearance (6.3), contested possession (12.1), forward entry (5.2) and score involvement (7.1) averages are career highs.
The South Fremantle graduate loves a goal however, and he uniquely impacts games when his reference point is space as opposed to the ball. With Yeo warming to his work, Kelly will hope to channel his perceptiveness and skill through that inside-outside role once more.
The 26-year-old will miss a month with a grade two medial ligament strain, but he has been a picture of consistency, recording more than 20 disposals in all but one complete game, and will poll steadily.
IN THE MIX: Nic Naitanui, Jack Darling, Oscar Allen, Dom Sheed, Tom Barrass
Nic Naitanui has ripped through quarters and halves like a powerful storm cell, though his low time on ground will hurt him.
Jack Darling has consistently impacted the scoreboard, while Tom Barrass has provided calm behind the ball with Jeremy McGovern and Shannon Hurn missing.
Adam Simpson has called on Oscar Allen in every part of the ground and the 22-year-old hasn't let him down, while Dom Sheed has hoovered up possessions in a depleted midfield.
Nathan John
LEADING CONTENDER: Marcus Bontempelli
Dogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli is building a season that could eventually be remembered with the reverence reserved for Fremantle talisman Nat Fyfe’s 2015, or Richmond warhead Dustin Martin’s 2017.
The 25-year-old is tracking to career-best figures for disposals (26.9), inside 50s (7.1), metres gained (593.3) and score involvements (7.7), and the numbers have been punctuated with moments of tangible leadership.
From the sealing set shot at home to West Coast to a monstrous second half against Carlton, his hand in the legitimising win away to Port Adelaide to his four goals in an evisceration of St Kilda, Bontempelli has put his stamp on the season, and the Dogs have walked taller in his aura.
IN THE MIX: Tom Liberatore, Bailey Dale, Aaron Naughton, Alex Keath, Jack Macrae
Tom Liberatore will be the captain's nearest challenger, having fed the ball to Bontempelli throughout and averaged an astronomical 8.7 clearances.
Bailey Dale has driven the Dogs' electric tempo from his new role at half-back, while forward tyro Aaron Naughton has kicked at least one goal in every game, and will blow away his career-best tally of 32.
Alex Keath has been a reassuring presence at full-back, while Jack Macrae's metronomic accumulation has swelled in importance as the injury list has lengthened.
Nathan John