Punters should prepare for Brownlow Medal upset, say bookies

CHRIS Judd may be favourite to clinch his third Brownlow Medal tonight but bookies have warned punters should prepare for an upset.

Chris and Rebecca Judd

CHRIS Judd may be favourite to clinch his third Brownlow Medal tonight but bookies have warned punters should prepare for an upset.

Legendary Brownlow medallist Bob Skilton has backed the Carlton champion for a historic triple win ahead of tonight's lavish ceremony.

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The AFL has confirmed Skilton would present the medal if Judd or Swans' gun Adam Goodes claimed the prize or tied with any other player.

"I think Judd definitely," Skilton said.

"But maybe the umpires will be a little harder on him.

"I think he's had a wonderful year and been a great player but whoever wins it will definitely deserve it."

Judd will present the award if another player wins.

The Carlton star has firmed in betting odds, but Goodes and Magpie Scott Pendlebury are still in the race for the accolade.

Third favourite Pendlebury and girlfriend Alex Davis will be making a splash tonight, with the glamour couple wearing Versace.

Last week they sampled some of the high-end fashion label's clothes, although their outfits for tonight remain a secret.

Pendlebury yesterday nominated teammate Dane Swan as Collingwood's best chance in the Brownlow, but made it clear his eyes were firmly fixed on premiership glory rather than the accolades of the Brownlow.

"I think Swanny has had another fantastic season and will be right up there in the votes again after only narrowly missing out last year," Pendlebury said.

"He is a really important player for us and his second half of the season in particular was outstanding.

"But all the guys are just looking forward to the Grand Final on Saturday and we will do everything we can to make sure we are ready for the Cats."

Footy's biggest night will be glamour-heavy but the AFL says it won't lose touch with the origins of the awards ceremony.

The introduction of a "Hero Wall" featuring images of every Brownlow winner will be a major new feature as couples enter the Crown Palladium.

Money has flooded in for the favourites but betting agencies said picking a winner wasn't easy.

"In the last four years we've had two players odds on going into the Brownlow in both Dane Swan and Gary Ablett, and neither won," TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie said.

"It's basically a popularity contest but not the general public's or hardened AFL watchers. It's up to the umpires and sometimes their opinions can be a little strange."

Judd remained a $1.75 favourite ahead of Goodes ($5) and Pendlebury ($6.50). Dane Swan ($10) and Marc Murphy ($11) are also considered viable contenders.