A week ago, Hawthorn star Sam Mitchell was a $21 longshot for the AFL Brownlow Medal.

But a betting plunge since Friday means the in-form utility is the man rated by punters most likely to spoil Gary Ablett’s party.

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The Gold Coast captain remains the favourite for Monday night’s count, with Mitchell now rated the third-best bet behind Geelong captain Joel Selwood.

Mitchell was runner-up in the last two Brownlow counts – he was ineligible through suspension in 2011 – and is certain to feature prominently again.

Since Friday, 90 per cent of the money taken by Centrebet has been for Mitchell.

The Hawks star’s odds have plummeted from last Monday to be $5.50, making him third-favourite.

In the same time, Ablett has eased from $1.68 to $1.80 and Selwood is at $5.25.

What might count against Mitchell is his different role this season.

He has alternated between half-back and midfield and the Brownlow is well-known for belonging to the game’s top onballers.

Ablett has been the top AFL midfielder this season, winning his seventh-straight All-Australian selection and missing only one game.

Ablett, like Mitchell, is a consistent Brownlow vote winner and Gold Coast’s improved form this season further boosts his chances.

He won the 2009 Brownlow at Geelong and has finished equal-sixth and sixth in his two seasons with the Suns.

But he will want to be well ahead when the count comes down to the last five rounds.

Ablett had an unusually-quiet patch, including a season-low 19 disposals in the round 20 win over Melbourne.

He finished off the season in round 23 with an outstanding game against Greater Western Sydney and the likely three votes from that game could prove crucial.

Collingwood pair Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury, plus Adelaide’s Patrick Dangerfield and Sydney’s Kieren Jack are also rated as solid Brownlow chances.