Gary Ablett picks Dane Swan for Brownlow Medal

LAST YEAR'S Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett says he will drape this year's medal around Dane Swan's neck tonight.

LAST YEAR'S Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett says he will drape this year's medal around Dane Swan's neck tonight.

The Collingwood midfielder is a $1.80 favourite to win the AFL's highest individual honour and Ablett a $4 second favourite.

"I reckon Dane Swan will win it," Ablett said. "He's had a fantastic season and Collingwood has won a lot of games.

"I think to win the Brownlow now you need to be playing in a team that wins a lot of games, and he's been the stand-out player in the best-performing team.

"The other thing is I don't think there are that many players at Collingwood who are going to steal votes from him. Probably only four or five Magpies will pinch a lot of votes from him."

Scott Pendlebury ($11) is the only other Collingwood player rated a chance. Alan Didak is favoured next at $101.

Ablett is not so sure he will be the Geelong player to poll the most votes, saying midfield teammate Joel Selwood is a chance to win.

"I reckon Joel may be a bit of a surprise package," Ablett said.

"He's had a fantastic year and I'd expect him to poll well. I hope he does. He's just a great footballer to play alongside."

Asked if he gave himself any chance of back-to-back success, Ablett said: "I think I've had a pretty consistent year, but you don't go in expecting too much. Whatever happens, happens."