Anderson making Brownlow charge after another strong display

Gold Coast Suns captain Noah Anderson has moved into $8 to win the Brownlow Medal, following another stellar display against Essendon on Saturday. 

Anderson had 30 possessions, seven clearances and capped his day off with two goals; although who had responsibility for Zach Merrett (40 disposals) is debatable. 

The gun midfielder has now been shaved from $14 into $8 to win the Brownlow Medal after his consistent season, which should culminate in the Suns playing finals for the first time. 

The Suns were challenged in the opening half and an upset could have been brewing even at three quarter time, but the Gold Coast outfit displayed their new found maturity with a strong closing term. 

“I thought our mids got to work, I thought they were probably beaten for three quarters,” Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick said. 

“I thought Touk was pretty solid throughout but our other players were a little bit down.”

Matt Rowell was heavily tagged by Will Setterfield and finished the clash with a remarkable 15 touches and 17 tackles, with 14 of these coming in the opening half. 

“I just think he battles manfully this kid, the way he goes about the game, hes a pleasure to coach and we’re so lucky to have in our organisation,” Hardwick said. 

“There is a reason he is one of the best players in the competition – because he works harder than everyone else.” 

Hardwick also backed in Rowell’s attitude surrounding umpire contact after he said he was not going to change anything after several incidents this season. 

Meanwhile, Collingwood star Nick Daicos has been backed into $2.50 to win the Brownlow Medal, after he was best on ground against Carlton on Friday night. 

Daicos is ahead of Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson ($4.50 with Neds Australia) who was outstanding against Melbourne on Sunday, and Bailey Smith ($5), who missed the Cats easy win over Richmond with illness.