As it happened: Mitchell shines on Brownlow Medal night

As expected (at least from this seat) Tom Mitchell has safely won the 2018 Brownlow Medal, in the end seeing off a strong challenge from Steele Sidebottom to win by four votes.

It was always going to be a strong fight for the placings and this is where the surprises start. Sidebottom's outstanding season was recognised with 24 votes and second place but the final spot on the podium went to Melbourne bolter Angus Brayshaw, the hard-at-it midfielder starting the season in the VFL and not even earning an invitation to the Brownlow count! But he stormed home late to take third spot with 21 votes, ahead of Patrick Cripps and Max Gawn.

Good night folks.

From third-placed Brayshaw's Melbourne teammate:

Some words from Tom Mitchell, who was also named the AFLPA most valuable player award: "It's always been ingrained in me to love football," he said on stage.

And on his off-the-ball incident with Todd Goldstein in round five: "I don't think there was a lot in the incident," he said. "I didn't think there was a lot of contact."

Tom Mitchell undertakes an extensive interview with MC Bruce McAvaney on stage. The one thing you can tell straight away from the gun Hawk is that he's got a pretty strong work ethic, especially in his last few years. He admits he turned his diet around thanks to getting plenty of support from his partner. Mitchell gives thanks all round, to all those involved at Hawthorn as well as former club Sydney.

A quick word on the third-placed and the count's second half charger Angus Brayshaw - he wasn't at the function tonight, not even invited!

28 votes to the Hawthorn champ ..

The 'Pie finishes on 24 votes. But Angus Brayshaw finished like a steam train!

It's secure after round 21. One vote to the Hawk to move him up to 28 votes, still eight votes ahead of Sidebottom.