A trio of rucks and some of the competition’s biggest stars set to fight it out for Alastair Lynch medal

TWO All Australian ruckman are tipped to be in the running for this year’s Brownlow Medal and several big men could be in the mix to be crowned the TSL’s best player of 2018

Glenorchy's Daniel Joseph is tipped to be one of the favourite’s for the Alastair Lynch medal. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

TWO All-Australian ruckmen are tipped to be in the running for this year’s Brownlow Medal and several big men could also be in the mix to be crowned the TSL’s best player of 2018.

The Alastair Lynch Medal will be announced tonight, with players from the five finalists expected to be jostling for the accolade.

And just as Melbourne’s Max Gawn and Collingwood’s Brody Grundy have entered Brownlow discussions, the rise of the ruckman could well extend to the State League.

Clarence, Glenorchy and Lauderdale all had outstanding seasons — with their respective No.1 big men major players.

Ryan Bailey (Clarence) was arguably the best ruckman in the competition in the first half of the season and is sure to have caught the eye of the umpires, while Glenorchy’s Cameron Duffy and Bomber Haydn Smith also had major influence on a number of games.

Haydn Smith, of Lauderdale, takes a mark. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

North Launceston star Daniel Roozendaal is the only ruckman to win the award, with Sam Siggins finishing second last year.

Duffy’s Magpie teammate Daniel Joseph, joint winner of the media player of the year award, will start among the favourites for the Lynch medal.

The rebounding defender returned to the State League from a season in the NEAFL and was Glenorchy’s rock in defence, often gathering possessions at will while excelling in zoning off to chop out opposition attacks.

His media award co-victor, premiership coach Taylor Whitford, is likely to also be in the running, alongside several of his North Launceston teammates.

Reigning Lynch medallist Brad Cox-Goodyer could climb into rarefied air by claiming back-to-back awards, which he did with the Baldock Medal following another top performance in the grand final.

North Launceston's Josh Ponting (LHS) and Brad Cox-Goodyer will be in the mix. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Unheralded Josh Ponting had a breakout year which won’t go unnoticed, while the versatile Zac Burt is a proven vote-getter. Clarence star Jake Cox is ineligible due to suspension, while first-year Roo Troy Cunliffe caught the eye.

The TSLW best and fairest winner will also be announced, with Clarence’s Nicole Bresnehan and Maddie Smith, Glenorchy’s Brieanna Barwick, Launceston duo Angela Dickson and Abbey Green and Burnie’s Libby Haines among the favourites.