COLLINGWOOD midfielder Dayne Beams is looming as a possible Brownlow Medal smokey, according to AFL.com.au's Brownlow Predictor.
The predictor has forecast a thrilling count, with Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett and former Geelong teammate Joel Selwood tied on 22 votes heading into the final round of the season.
Compiled using votes from AFL Media reporters at every match this season, the predictor has Sydney Swans star Lance Franklin within striking distance of the leaders on 20 votes, while Collingwood midfielder Dayne Beams (19 votes) sits in outright fourth despite being a $51 chance with TAB Sportsbet.
Selwood and Ablett are equal $3 favourites for the Brownlow, with Ablett hanging on despite being sidelined since round 17.
Beams has flown under the Brownlow radar despite producing an excellent year. He has played 19 matches and averaged more than 27 disposals and five tackles a game. The 24-year-old has also booted an eye-catching 23 goals.
Ablett won the 2013 Brownlow Medal by one vote, pipping Selwood by polling three votes in the final round of the season.
This year, however, Ablett is sidelined with a season-ending shoulder injury and Selwood could win his first Brownlow if he polls votes in the Cats' clash against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night.
Ablett polled his 22 votes on the Brownlow Predictor in the first 15 rounds, while Selwood has polled 11 of his 22 votes since round 15 to charge into contention.
Ineligible Fremantle star Nat Fyfe became a realistic chance to poll the most votes in this year's count between rounds 13 and 19, polling a predicted 13 votes in those seven matches, according to AFL Media reporters.
However, he has been ineligible to win since being charged with rough conduct in round two and missing two matches through suspension.
Sydney Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy (18 votes) and Port Adelaide's Robbie Gray (17 votes) - who has taken out the AFL Coaches' Association Champion Player of the Year title - are well placed, as well as West Coast's Matt Priddis (18 votes).
Young Essendon star Dyson Heppell has been pushing into Brownlow calculations, but he sits further down the rankings on the Brownlow Predictor with 15 votes.
The Brownlow Predictor allows fans to predict when players from every club can expect votes, while it can also be sorted club by club.
