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Dangerfield claims Brownlow Medal

Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield has won AFL's 2016 Brownlow Medal for his incredible first season in navy and white.

The midfielder has an unassailable lead in the count with a round still to tally, beating closest rivals Luke Parker of Sydney and Richmond's Dustin Martin.

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.

Dangerfield and Charlie. Pic: Getty

"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."

Final Leaderboard:

35 P Dangerfield
26 L Parker
25 D Martin
24 R Sloane*
21 A Treloar
21 A Gaff
21 Dan Hannebery
20 M Bontempelli