Gary Ablett has become the first Gold Coast player to win AFL’s most coveted individual honour, topping the votes to win his second Brownlow Medal at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium this evening. 

After a brilliant start to the season, the heavily-backed superstar was the odds-on favourite to be crowned the 2013 winner. 

He becomes just the 14^th player in AFL/VFL history to capture two Charlies, and just the fifth alongside Chris Judd (West Coast/Carlton), Greg Williams (Sydney/Carlton), Peter Moore (Collingwood Melbourne) and Ian Stewart (St. Kilda/Richmond) to win the award at two different clubs. 

It’s been a busy Awards season for the inspirational captain, picking up his third consecutive GC SUNS Club Championship (fifth career Best & Fairest), unprecedented fifth AFLPA MVP and seventh straight All Australian jumper.

Averaging 31 disposals, including a 49-possession master class against Collingwood in Round 14, Ablett led the SUNS to eight Premiership victories in a season of rapid improvement for the Gold Coast. 

Regarded the best player in the competition, GC SUNS senior coach Guy McKenna said Ablett had achieved undeniable greatness in 2013.

“Gary’s consistency and durability to play out games at his supreme level of excellence is to be celebrated,” McKenna said.

“To do what he has been able to do, while the rest of his team mates continue to find their feet in the competition has been outstanding.’

“He’s a great leader and teacher for our playing group and will continue to provide great service for our club for years to come.”