Dangerfield wins Brownlow with votes record

Patrick Dangerfield lived up to the billing as hot favourite by winning the Brownlow Medal as the AFL’s fairest and best player with a record number of votes.

The Cats superstar polled 35 votes, surpassing the record of Dane Swan who won the Brownlow in 2011 with 34 votes, to take out the game’s top gong.

He finished ahead of Swans midfielder Luke Parker, who had 26 votes, while Richmond star Dustin Martin was third with 25 votes.

The 26-year-old was the shortest-priced favourite in living memory and adds the award to his AFL Players Association and AFL Coaches Association gongs.

Dangerfield paid tribute to his teammates past and present.

"I feel so lucky to be involved in such a wonderful football club," he said on stage at Crown Casino.

"I don't think any individual that ever stands up here, stands up here just because of themselves.

"It is a collaborative effort from previously Adelaide and now Geelong and the group of players that we have at the Cats, the group of coaches."

Dangerfield also polled in more matches - 15 - than any previous winner.

Dangerfield's prize comes in his first season at Simonds Stadium.

After being taken by Adelaide with pick No.10 in the 2007 draft,

Dangerfield sought a trade to Geelong to be closer to his hometown of Moggs Creek.

His stellar season began with a best-afield showing against premiers Hawthorn, and continued to soar thereafter.

The 26-year-old tallied an incredible 48 possessions during a round 12 match against North Melbourne.

His nine three-vote efforts ties that of previous winners Nat Fyfe (2015) and Greg Williams (1994).

Dangerfield also singled out Cats captain Joel Selwood, who polled 18 votes.

"I've been so lucky to spend the year with Joel," he said.

"He's such a courageous player. I don't know how you measure will but I don't know if anyone's ever played with more of it."