Adelaide midfielder Rory Laird is a “smokey” in this year’s Brownlow Medal, says SEN host Andy Maher.
Laird, who has starred since moving into the midfield from defence, is ranked in the top five in the AFL for disposals, contested possessions and clearances this season.
The 27-year-old is averaging huge numbers in disposals (32.2) and clearances (7.1) and could be one to watch out for on Brownlow night.
“If there’s a smokey in this year’s Brownlow Medal, and I don’t know where he (Laird) sits in the market,” Maher told SEN’s Bob and Andy.
“If the umpires have seen him this year, some players are just invisible when it comes to the umpires, he could get eight votes for the year in a year where he deserves 25.
“He’s had that sort of a year, Rory Laird. He’s been exceptional now that he’s gone into the midfield.
“He’s had a super year.”
Laird, a dual All-Australian and Malcolm Blight Medallist, has played 178 games for the Crows after being originally selected in the 2011 rookie draft.
One of Adelaide’s most consistent performers, Laird signed a five-year contract extension in March, tying him to the Crows until at least the end of 2026.
The last Crow to win the Brownlow Medal was Mark Ricciuto in 2003.