Three players have this week moved in to contention for this years Brownlow Medal, with best on ground performances in their respective matches.  Scott Pendlebury winning the Anzac Day Medal, Aaron Sandilands who would have to be this years most consistent player, and Luke Hodge in a losing side all polling three votes to move within striking distance of superstar Gary Ablett and wonder-rookie Michael Barlow.

Ablett and Barlow both did enough to earn two votes and move in to outright first and second on 9 and 8 votes respectively.

With the competition now being 5 rounds in, it is worth a look to see how some of this years favourites are tracking:

Gary Ablett - $4 - 9 (1st)
Chris Judd - $7 - 4 (=13th)
Jonathan Brown - $15 - 6 (=4th)
Luke Hodge - $17 - 7 (3rd)
Adam Goodes - $17 - 1 (=66th)
Ryan Griffen - $21 - 4 (=13th)
Jimmy Bartel - $21 - 4 (=13th)
Marc Murphy - $21 - 3 (=20th)
Aaron Sandilands - $21 - 6 (=4th)

Barlow will have to start shortening soon...still paying $81, coming in from $126 after his 33 possession, 132 SuperCoach game on the weekend.  If Fremantle keep winning games like they are - which midfielders are going to take votes off of him?  Sure Sandilands and Pavlich will poll well, but both are key position players, and traditionally will not poll as well as a sides gun midfielder - which Barlow is fast becoming.

Whilst I have GAJ in first on 9 votes, I myself would be suprised if he is sitting on that many after round 5.  Looking at each game individually, he is a strong chance to poll in all (aside from the Hawthorn game) - however will the umpires rate him against the others players on the park, or against what he is ultimatley capable of?  If it is the latter dont be suprised if he has only amassed 5-6 votes to date.

All votes over the break.

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Bulldogs v Crows
3. D. Giansiracusa (3)
2. R. Griffen (4)
1. N. Eagleton (1)
....B. Hall, L. Gilbee, A. Cooney

Swans v Eagles
3. J. McVeigh (5)
2. N. Malceski (2)
1. R. OKeefe (4)
....K. Jack, A. Goodes, D. Bradshaw

Demons v Lions
3. J. Trengove (3)
2. M. Bate (2)
1. N. Jones (1)
....S. Black, C. Sylvia, A. Davey

Power v Saints
3. D. Rodan (3)
2. T. Chaplin (3)
1. L. Montagna (3)
....A. Schneider, D. Cassisi, D. Pearce

Pies v Bombers
3. S. Pendlebury (6) (this weeks guaranteed three)
2. D. Beams (3)
1. A. Didak (1)
....T. Cloke, S. Wellingham, D. Fletcher

Hawks v Kangaroos
3. L. Hodge (7)
2. B. Rawlings (2)
1. D. Wells (3)
....L. Franklin, B. Harvey, L. Anthony

Dockers v Tigers
3. A. Sandilands (6)
2. M. Barlow (8)
1. D. Mundy (1)
....R. Nahas, G. Broughton, M. Pavlich

Blues v Cats
3. B. Gibbs (4)
2. G. Ablett (9)
1. C. Judd (4)
....J. Russell, H. Scotland, A. Carrazzo

[span style="text-decoration: underline">Leaderboard:

9. G. Ablett
8. M. Barlow
7. L. Hodge
6. J. Brown, A. Sandilands, J. Brennan, S. Pendlebury, N. Riewoldt
5. B. McGlynn, J. McVeigh, James McDonald, M. Rischitelli