Brownlow Medal betting update & more AFL futures – 31/5/2021

As we reach the midpoint of the 2021 AFL Premiership season, it is time to bring our attention back to some of the major futures markets. A lot has changed since our last update at the conclusion of round six, giving us plenty to discuss heading into the bye rounds. Here are the latest odds for the Brownlow Medal, Coleman Medal, Rising Star, and more.

Bontempelli & Demons duo top 2021 Brownlow Medal betting

Our update from earlier in the season revolved around the injured stars who were ruled out of the Brownlow Medal betting markets, but this week we can focus on the best players in the league right now.

Marcus Bontempelli has led by example as the Bulldogs captain this season, and it is no surprise to see him top the 2021 Brownlow Medal odds at $4.33 with Sportsbet. Bontempelli has already slotted 15 goals from his first 11 games, the most of any midfielder this season.

Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver is the biggest bolter in the market, plunging to $5.50 from his $21 quote at the conclusion of round six. Oliver is currently third in the AFL for total disposals and comfortably leads the contested possessions tally.

Alongside Oliver is his teammate Christian Petracca ($6.50), who at stages this season has been the outright favourite to take home Charlie. Petracca and Oliver will split votes throughout the count, which could deter punters from selecting either Melbourne midfielder.

Darcy Parish has been unstoppable since winning the ANZAC Medal in round six, collecting over 35 disposals in five of his last six games. The blonde Bomber has already shortened to $18 and could work his way into the top few lines of Brownlow betting if that red-hot form continues.

More players quoted at Sportsbet.com.au

McKay still leading Coleman Medal betting

Key forwards have dominated this season, and it is no surprise the Coleman Medal market has barely changed in the past few weeks.

Harry McKay has kicked 38 goals for Carlton in the first 11 matches of the season, more than twice as much as his nearest teammate. Even though he is a short-priced favourite in the Coleman Medal betting at $2.15 with Sportsbet, the Blues’ reliance on McKay makes him an excellent option nonetheless.

Taylor Walker ($6) put through 4.3 against Richmond in round 11, but it was the 5.2 haul from Jack Riewoldt ($7) that really caught the eye in that clash. With Tom Lynch ruled out for at least five weeks, we could see Riewoldt start to reel in McKay’s eight-goal advantage over the next few rounds.

More players quoted at Sportsbet.com.au

Green goes top in Rising Star betting

Before the AFL season began back in March, we identified four players we thought could challenge Matt Rowell for the 2021 Rising Star, which included the market’s current leader.

Tom Green ($2.50) has blown away his peers this year, averaging over 20 disposals, just under five clearances, and over 10 contested possessions per game.

Green’s numbers for contested possessions and clearances both rank inside the competition’s top 50, which puts the second-year star in the same company as some of the best players in the league.

Former market leader Errol Gulden ($34) has fallen out of the equation following a foot injury, while most other competitors have been pushed back due to Green’s blistering form.

Melbourne’s James Jordon is currently third in the AFL for tackles and could be a smokey at $11, especially considering he is having a weekly impact for the first-placed Demons.

More players quoted at Sportsbet.com.au

Bombers surge into top-eight contention

Essendon fans are starting to believe in an unlikely finals run following a tremendous upset on the road against the West Coast Eagles that momentarily put the Dons inside the top eight.

Ben Rutten has rallied his troops brilliantly over the past three weeks as the Bombers have knocked off Fremantle, North Melbourne and now West Coast. An injury-free Sam Draper could be the final piece the Dons need to make a late-season charge towards September, so Sportsbet’s $3.50 quote for a top-eight finish could shorten again in the coming weeks.

Leon Cameron’s Giants ($2.50) would almost be a lock-in for the finals if not for their horrible run of injuries this year, but there is still a chance for GWS with 11 matches to play.

There is still a glimmer of hope for St Kilda ($5), Fremantle ($5.50) and Carlton ($8), but we do not think those teams can make the finals anymore, so stay away from any side priced above $5.

More players quoted at Sportsbet.com.au