Will Matthew Pavlich reign supreme for an astonishing seventh occasion, or can defensive stalwarts Luke McPharlin or Michael Johnson cap off excellent seasons by taking home the medal?
Maybe it will be one of the club’s breakout players in 2012 that can cause an upset?
Players such as Matt de Boer, Chris Mayne and Clancee Pearce emerged during the season, while Ryan Crowley performed his tagging job brilliantly week after week.
Here’s a breakdown on the Doig Medal fancies for 2012:
Matthew Pavlich: The skipper had another tremendous season, this time playing permanently in front of the big sticks. He kicked 69 goals to finish runner-up to Jack Riewoldt in the Coleman Medal. Pavlich may not poll heavily early in the season, but from round 11, when he booted six goals against Richmond on a wet day at the MCG, right up to his inspirational six-goal haul that sunk reigning premiers Geelong in an Elimination Final, the Freo captain was simply superb.
Luke McPharlin: The resilient full-back stood the opposition’s best forward every week and was rarely beaten. That means he’ll poll very well in the Doig Medal, although missing Freo’s two finals may hurt him should the race be close at the end. McPharlin also took the second-most marks in the competition in 2012, so his efforts were not just aimed at stopping his direct opponent, but giving Freo bounce out of the backline.
Michael Johnson: Johnson took the most marks in the AFL in 2012, a direct result of his role on Freo’s half-back line that often saw him play as the loose man. He had a brilliant start to the season and kept his good form going all the way through to the end.
Ryan Crowley: The Doig Medal voting system adjudges players for their ability to perform their role for the team. This criteria means Crowley is sure to poll well considering his efforts in shutting down the opposition’s best midfielders on a weekly basis throughout 2012.
Chris Mayne: Mayne took his game to new heights in 2012, recording one of the most accurate goal-kicking seasons ever and stamping himself as one of the best medium-sized forwards in the AFL. He kicked goals, tackled hard and always gave 100 per cent effort, which is sure to attract the coaches’ eyes as it pertains to Doig Medal votes.
Clancee Pearce: Pearce polled well on Brownlow Medal night with nine votes. He has had a tremendous season, playing all 24 games and ranking in the top five in most key performance indicator categories at the club. He could be a smoky for a top four finish.
Matt de Boer: De Boer was another to take his game to the next level in 2012. He was superb in round 11 after being thrust into the midfield. That saw him play more games in the middle to finish off the season. His desperation and willingness to put it all on the line for his teammates will attract plenty of votes.
David Mundy: Recent history suggests he is a Doig-voting monster. The winner in 2010, Mundy was looming as a back-to-back Medallist last year, leading the count at the halfway mark before injury ruined his hopes. He didn’t start 2012 very well, mainly due to a compromised pre-season, but in the last third of the season, no one will be polling more votes than this brilliant midfielder.
Michael Barlow: Barlow led Fremantle for total and average disposals per game in 2012. That’s got to count for something on Doig Medal night so expect Freo’s ball-magnet to poll well on Saturday.
