I think Russell would be lucky to be in the top 10 so far as this year - nothing against his form - but the form of other defenders means he only has to do his job now (which is the way it should be).
I'm not sure Simpson would be in the top 5; he started slowly, but he's had a few votes particularly in the two games where he kicked a few goals.
1/2: Judd, Murphy
3-5: Scotland, Jamison, Gibbs
6-10: Garlett, Walker (playing his role in all but 2 games), Simpson (always starts slow), Waite, Yarran,
Just outside: Laidler, Curnow, Robinson, Carrazzo, Russell
Few votes: Hampson, Warnock, Setanta, Betts, Armfield, Thornton, Duigan, White, Joseph, Ellard
No votes: Lucas, Watson, McLean, Collins (except for Collingwood
), Henderson No games: Kreuzer, Bower, O'K, Austin, Mitchell, Cachia, Houlihan, Mcinnes, Davies , Kerr, Twomey, Tuohy