WHO IS your club's best Brownlow chance?
AFL.com.au takes a look back on the 2026 season, running the rule over all 18 sides to analyse whether it could be a memorable night for a player from your club.
Best chance: Izak Rankine
Get ready for a late charge from Rankine. His last eight weeks were extraordinary and featured performances worth 23 disposals and three goals against Essendon, 36 and one against Richmond, 39 and one against Fremantle, then 35 and four to finish off the year against Greater Western Sydney. He'll come home like a steam train but will spend the earlier part of the night vying with skipper Jordan Dawson for votes.
One-vote wonder: Mark Keane (R15 v Melbourne)
The big Irishman got himself back in the side late in the year and had a day out against the Demons, finishing with 22 disposals, 10 marks and nine intercepts. Could slide into the best and add to his one solitary career Brownlow vote.
Brownlow Predictor
24 Jordan Dawson
23 Izak Rankine
9 Wayne Milera
Predicted team votes: 88
2025 most votes: Jordan Dawson (27)
Ineligible: Riley Thilthorpe, Taylor Walker, Darcy Fogarty
Previous winners: Mark Ricciuto (2003)
Best chance: Will Ashcroft
Two flags, two Norm Smiths, why not add a Brownlow Medal to the collection? It could be that type of night for Ashcroft, who shook off a relatively slow start to the year and fired Brisbane back into premiership contention across the back half of the season. He ended the year with seven games in 12 weeks where he had more than 20 disposals and a goal. Can he steal enough votes from two-time winner Lachie Neale to challenge?
One-vote wonder: Ryan Lester (R9 v Carlton)
After polling only once in 250-odd games, could we hear 'R.Lester' called once again on Brownlow night? A performance worth 20 disposals, 11 marks and 11 intercepts in a win over Carlton will put him right among the best.
Brownlow Predictor
27 Will Ashcroft
22 Lachie Neale
7 Zac Bailey*, Logan Morris
Predicted team votes: 85
2025 most votes: Hugh McCluggage (21)
Ineligible: Zac Bailey, Ty Gallop, Harris Andrews, Darcy Gardiner
Previous winners: Haydn Bunton snr (1931, 1932, 1935), Wilfred Smallhorn (1933), Denis Ryan (1936), Allan Ruthven (1950), Kevin Murray (1969), Bernie Quinlan (1981), Michael Voss (1996), Jason Akermanis (2001), Simon Black (2002), Lachie Neale (2020, 2023)
Best chance: Patrick Cripps
Cripps popped when Carlton did. Enjoyed a stellar start to life under Josh Fraser and had 29 disposals and two goals in their first game together against the Bulldogs, 32 and one against Port Adelaide the week after, then 30 and one against Geelong after that. The two-time winner is a proven poller and will collect a stack of votes, even despite Sam Walsh and Jagga Smith claiming their fair share across the night.
One-vote wonder: Talor Byrne (R20 v Gold Coast)
The first-year youngster cemented his place in Carlton's plans this season and could earn his first ever Brownlow votes in the win over Gold Coast. Finished with three goals, two goal assists and 12 score involvements in a brilliant 17-dispoal outing.
Brownlow Predictor
19 Patrick Cripps
16 Sam Walsh
12 Jagga Smith
Predicted team votes: 67
2025 most votes: Patrick Cripps (19)
Ineligible: Will Hayward
Previous winners: Bert Deacon (1947), John James (1961), Gordon Collis (1964), Greg Williams (1994), Chris Judd (2010), Patrick Cripps (2022, 2024)
Best chance: Nick Daicos
Surely, it'll be Nick's night. After a series of near misses, Daicos looks set to blow the competition out of the water in 2026. The Collingwood champion did it all this season, producing a campaign so dominant that it will perhaps even make Brownlow night more a case of 'will he break the all-time votes record?' as opposed to 'will he walk home with Charlie?' Looks set to crack the rare 40-vote barrier following his blistering year.
One-vote wonder: Tim Membrey (R17 v Gold Coast)
Membrey could sneak in his first votes since his St Kilda days after spearheading Collingwood's victory over Gold Coast late in the year. Finished with three goals and two goal assists to go with 18 disposals, nine marks and 10 score involvements.
Brownlow Predictor
47 Nick Daicos
9 Josh Daicos, Jordan De Goey
5 Scott Pendlebury
Predicted team votes: 84
2025 most votes: Nick Daicos (32)
Ineligible: N/A
Previous winners: Syd Coventry (1927), Albert Collier (1929), Harry Collier (1930), Marcus Whelan (1939), Des Fothergill (1940), Len Thompson (1972), Peter Moore (1979), Nathan Buckley (2003), Dane Swan (2011)
Best chance: Zach Merrett
Merrett is Essendon's most prolific poller and will fancy his chances at claiming the most votes for the club amid a disappointing two-win Bombers season. Had 31 disposals and a goal and then 35 disposals and a goal in the side's only victories against Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney, putting him in prime position to win votes.
One-vote wonder: Peter Wright (R5 v Melbourne)
Went into the ruck to inspire Essendon's first win of the year. Finished with 18 disposals, 14 hitouts, eight clearances and a goal to give himself a chance at claiming some rare votes.
Brownlow Predictor
6 Darcy Parish, Archie Roberts
4 Sam Durham, Zach Merrett
2 Nate Caddy
Predicted team votes: 24
2025 most votes: Zach Merrett (14)
Ineligible: Kyle Langford
Previous winners: Dick Reynolds (1934, 1937, 1938), Bill Hutchison (1952, 1953), Graham Moss (1976), Gavin Wanganeen (1993), James Hird (1996)
Best chance: Caleb Serong
Could be anyone at Fremantle, but Serong has the runs on the board having won 24, 28 and 25 votes across the past three seasons. Had a prolific campaign and was among the Dockers' best midfielders but will have the likes of Murphy Reid, Luke Jackson and Andrew Brayshaw stealing from him across the night, while the side's lethal forwards group will be another hindrance to his overall chances. Still, he's the club's most proven poller.
One-vote wonder: Karl Worner (R21 v Western Bulldogs)
An unsung member of Fremantle's elite backline, Worner had a breakout year and could even earn his first ever Brownlow votes. A win over the Dogs will give him the best chance at doing that having finished with 28 disposals, 13 marks, 10 intercepts and eight score involvements. Could even bring home all three for that performance.
Brownlow Predictor
17 Murphy Reid
16 Luke Jackson
13 Caleb Serong
Predicted team votes: 101
2025 most votes: Andrew Brayshaw (26)
Ineligible: N/A
Previous winners: Nat Fyfe (2015, 2019)
Best chance: Bailey Smith
Smith earned himself a spot on the Brownlow podium last season and enjoyed a campaign that was just as prolific in 2026. Will start and finish the year strong, while his chances could be aided by Max Holmes' injury that ruled him out for the final five games. Smith had 30 or more disposals in 17 of his 22 appearances this year, ensuring he'll once again be among the lead contenders as the count reaches its climax later in the night.
One-vote wonder: Gryan Miers (R19 v St Kilda)
A frustrating year for Miers, who spent a fair chunk in the VFL before regaining his place in the back half of the campaign. Could still earn Brownlow votes for a performance where he had 22 disposals, three goals, four goal assists and 12 score involvements against St Kilda on his return from a stint out of the team.
Brownlow Predictor
34 Bailey Smith
13 Max Holmes
7 Ollie Dempsey, Shaun Mannagh
Predicted team votes: 84
2025 most votes: Bailey Smith (29)
Ineligible: Mark O'Connor
Previous winners: Edward Greeves jnr (1924), Bernie Smith (1951), Alistair Lord (1962), Paul Couch (1989), Jimmy Bartel (2007), Gary Ablett jnr (2009), Patrick Dangerfield (2016)
Best chance: Matt Rowell
He won it last year and while he's unlikely to go back-to-back, expect Rowell to still feature prominently among the votes. Had an impressive last month, as opposed to Christian Petracca who began the year strongly. Will likely poll in games where he had 30 disposals and eight clearances against Melbourne, 40 and 17 against Greater Western Sydney, 28 and eight against Brisbane and then 28 and 11 against St Kilda all to finish the year.
One-vote wonder: Ethan Read (R2 v Richmond)
Gold Coast's unicorn could be set for the first Brownlow votes of his career. Played forward against Richmond early in the year and kicked four goals from 12 disposals and 11 marks, putting him right in the frame to hear his name called.
Brownlow Predictor
12 Christian Petracca, Matt Rowell
8 Noah Anderson
7 John Noble
Predicted team votes: 57
2025 most votes: Matt Rowell (39)
Ineligible: Bailey Humphrey, Sam Clohesy, Ben Long
Previous winners: Gary Ablett jnr (2013), Matt Rowell (2025)
Best chance: Clayton Oliver
It's been a successful first season for Oliver at Greater Western Sydney, who won more than 23 disposals in every single game and was among the League's most prolific midfielders. He'll vie with younger teammate Finn Callaghan for the most votes at the Giants but has a proven track record after previous campaigns worth 31 and then 25 votes in 2021 and 2022 when he was at Melbourne.
One-vote wonder: Phoenix Gothard (R11 v Brisbane)
The side's emphatic win over Brisbane produced a number of surprise performances, Gothard's chief among them. The youngster kicked two goals from 29 disposals, while also laying 10 tackles, perhaps putting him in line for his first ever Brownlow votes.
Brownlow Predictor
12 Finn Callaghan, Clayton Oliver
9 Lachie Ash, Toby Greene
7 Lachie Whitfield
Predicted team votes: 62
2025 most votes: Finn Callaghan (21)
Ineligible: Joe Fonti
Previous winners: N/A
Best chance: Jai Newcombe
Could be an outside chance to go all the way on Brownlow night. The voters love an inside ball winner and Newcombe is among the best, finishing the home and away season ranked No.1 for clearances and No.6 for contested possessions. Shouldn't have too many midfield teammates stealing votes from him, either. Barely had a bad game and has polled well in the past, making him a smoky for the game's biggest honour.
One-vote wonder: Cam Mackenzie (R16 v Greater Western Sydney)
Could be a decent chance for Mackenzie to find himself among the votes having finished with 27 disposals, a goal, seven clearances, seven tackles and 11 score involvements as the Hawks just held off the Giants at the MCG.
Brownlow Predictor
24 Jai Newcombe
14 Nick Watson
8 Jack Gunston
Predicted team votes: 87
2025 most votes: Jai Newcombe (17)
Ineligible: Josh Weddle, James Sicily, Dylan Moore
Previous winners: Col Austen (1949), Robert DiPierdomenico (1986), John Platten (1987), Shane Crawford (1999), Sam Mitchell (2012), Tom Mitchell (2018)
Best chance: Max Gawn
What a champion. Now a nine-time All-Australian, and a two-time All-Australian captain, Gawn is likely to again feature prominently among the votes on Brownlow night. After winning a career-high 23 votes last year, Gawn has shown he polls better than most rucks and arguably went to another level in 2026. Watch out for Kysaiah Pickett potentially stealing some votes from him across the night.
One-vote wonder: Caleb Windsor (R7 v Richmond)
We could see Windsor earn his first career Brownlow votes for his Anzac Day Eve performance against Richmond. Finished with 25 disposals and two goals to put himself in the frame but expect 'Kozzy' to nab the best-on-ground honours in this one.
Brownlow Predictor
25 Max Gawn
22 Kysaiah Pickett
11 Jacob van Rooyen*
Predicted team votes: 84
2025 most votes: Max Gawn (23)
Ineligible: Jacob van Rooyen
Previous winners: Ivor Warne-Smith (1926, 1928), Don Cordner (1946), Brian Wilson (1982), Peter Moore (1984), Jim Stynes (1991), Shane Woewodin (2000)
Best chance: Harry Sheezel
It'll be a straight shootout between Sheezel and Luke Davies-Uniacke to see who takes home the most votes at North Melbourne, with both enjoying fantastic seasons. Sheezel was as prolific as always, but added goals to the mix more often in 2026. He also performed strongly in North's wins and had games worth 39 disposals and one goal in a triumph over Richmond, 33 and a goal against West Coast, then 43 disposals and eight tackles against Essendon late in the year. Should see him pip his teammate to the post.
One-vote wonder: Cooper Trembath (R15 v Richmond)
It was a breakout season for Trembath. Now, will he earn his first ever Brownlow votes? His best chance will fall in a win over Richmond where he finished with four goals from 12 disposals and five marks.
Brownlow Predictor
22 Harry Sheezel
16 Luke Davies-Uniacke
6 Dylan Stephens
Predicted team votes: 66
2025 most votes: Luke Davies-Uniacke (11)
Ineligible: Paul Curtis, Tristan Xerri
Previous winners: Noel Teasdale (1965), Keith Greig (1973, 1974), Malcolm Blight (1978), Ross Glendinning (1983)
Best chance: Zak Butters
Expect to see Butters right alongside the contenders for the Brownlow, before he suffered his season-ending injury in round 18. Clearly one of the best players in the competition this year until that moment, Butters' influence will likely see him poll a lot of votes even in Port's losses. He'll have to battle with his ineligible teammate Jason Horne-Francis for votes, but after amassing more than 20 votes in each of his past three seasons we know Butters is a proven poller and will earn his fair share across the night.
One-vote wonder: Joe Richards (R19 v Fremantle)
This is surely the year we see Richards poll his first Brownlow votes. Will deserve to have his name called after winning 31 disposals, six clearances, eight tackles and kicking a goal as Port bravely went down to Fremantle late in the year.
Brownlow Predictor
24 Jason Horne-Francis*
19 Zak Butters
5 Aliir Aliir
Predicted team votes: 58
2025 most votes: Zak Butters (21)
Ineligible: Jason Horne-Francis, Darcy Byrne-Jones
Previous winners: Ollie Wines (2021)
Best chance: Tim Taranto
Don't expect the winner to come from Tigerland, but Taranto should still poll well after an impressive season. He was a surprise vote-getter last year, finishing with 20 in a disappointing Richmond campaign, but played well in both wins and losses in 2026. He should see votes for a 30-disposal, eight-clearance game in a victory over Essendon, then a 32-disposal, one-goal game in a win over West Coast late in the year.
One-vote wonder: Patrick Retschko (R11 v Essendon)
What a rise for Retschko. A relative unknown when he joined Richmond during last year's trade period, he broke through and enjoyed a monster Dreamtime game to finish with 27 disposals, eight marks and nine score involvements. Will it be enough to see him win his first career votes?
Brownlow Predictor
9 Tim Taranto
4 Sam Lalor
3 Kane McAuliffe
Predicted team votes: 21
2025 most votes: Tim Taranto (20)
Ineligible: Jonty Faull, Samson Ryan, Luke Trainor
Previous winners: Stan Judkins (1930), Bill Morris (1948), Roy Wright (1952, 1954), Ian Stewart (1971), Trent Cotchin (2012), Dustin Martin (2017)
Best chance: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
Wanganeen-Milera has now cemented himself as a perennial Brownlow challenger. After winning 23 votes last season, the St Kilda star will look to go even higher in 2026 after a campaign where his ball-winning numbers reached eye-watering levels. Expect to see 'Nas' go on a tear late in the year when, in the space of five weeks, he had games featuring 44 disposals and a goal against the Western Bulldogs, 46 and a goal against Essendon, then 46 and four goals against North Melbourne.
One-vote wonder: Mitch Owens (R23 v Richmond)
Owens could be in line for the first Brownlow votes of his career for his late-season efforts against Richmond. Finished with five goals and also had 14 disposals, seven marks and 10 score involvements on a big afternoon.
Brownlow Predictor
25 Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
10 Callum Wilkie
8 Max Hall
Predicted team votes: 75
2025 most votes: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (23)
Ineligible: Dan Butler
Previous winners: Colin Watson (1925), Brian Gleeson (1957), Neil Roberts (1958), Verdun Howell (1959), Ian Stewart (1965, 1966), Ross Smith (1967), Tony Lockett (1987), Robert Harvey (1997, 1998)
Best chance: Isaac Heeney
Don't expect the winner to come from Sydney, with the even spread of votegetters at the Swans likely to all pinch from each other across the night. A blistering start to the year should see Heeney amass the most votes at the club, but Errol Gulden also finished the campaign like a steam train once he regained full fitness. Brodie Grundy, Chad Warner and Charlie Curnow are also likely to see their fair share of votes throughout the evening.
One-vote wonder: Malcolm Rosas jnr (R8 v Melbourne)
You can just about lock Rosas in for the first Brownlow votes of his career for this effort against Melbourne. Kicked a whopping seven goals to go with 14 disposals and nine score involvements.
Brownlow Predictor
23 Isaac Heeney
15 Brodie Grundy, Errol Gulden
14 Chad Warner
Predicted team votes: 99
2025 most votes: Chad Warner (21)
Ineligible: Angus Sheldrick
Previous winners: Herbie Matthews (1940), Ron Clegg (1949), Fred Goldsmith (1955), Bob Skilton (1959, 1963, 1968), Peter Bedford (1970), Graham Teasdale (1977), Barry Round (1981), Greg Williams (1986), Gerard Healy (1988), Paul Kelly (1995), Adam Goodes (2003, 2006)
Best chance: Tim Kelly
Harley Reid will be West Coast's best poller, but as he's ineligible it probably makes Kelly the best chance at the Eagles. He's polled strongly before, grabbing 24 votes in his second ever season while at Geelong in 2019, and played well in the side's victories across the year. Still, expect Reid to be the Eagle that has his name called the most frequently throughout the night.
One-vote wonder: Bailey Williams (R11 v Collingwood)
It was a breakout year for Williams, who could now add to his one solitary career Brownlow vote. His best chance will come against Collingwood, when he finished with 20 disposals, 28 hitouts, a goal and 12 clearances in a narrow loss at the MCG.
Brownlow Predictor
20 Harley Reid*
3 Reuben Ginbey, Tim Kelly, Bailey Williams, Elliot Yeo
2 Tom McCarthy, Jake Waterman
Predicted team votes: 37
2025 most votes: Harley Reid, Liam Ryan (3)
Ineligible: Harley Reid, Deven Robertson, Liam Baker
Previous winners: Chris Judd (2004), Ben Cousins (2005), Matt Priddis (2014)
Best chance: Marcus Bontempelli
Bontempelli deserves a Brownlow and 2026 might represent his best chance yet at getting one. He'll be the biggest challenger to Collingwood's Nick Daicos following yet another scintillating campaign, where he continued his status as one of the game's most influential and brilliant midfielders. The big question is, having had five seasons where he's polled more than 20 votes, will he grab enough this year to topple Daicos?
One-vote wonder: Bailey Williams (R19 v Gold Coast)
He's only polled three votes in nearly 200 games, but Williams could find himself among the best again this year. His chance will come late in the campaign in a win over Gold Coast where he had 29 disposals, eight marks and nine intercepts.
Brownlow Predictor
32 Marcus Bontempelli
20 Ed Richards
4 Joel Freijah
Predicted team votes: 63
2025 most votes: Marcus Bontempelli (25)
Ineligible: N/A
Previous winners: Allan Hopkins (1930), Norman Ware (1941), Peter Box (1956), John Schulz (1960), Gary Dempsey (1975), Kevin Templeton (1980), Brad Hardie (1985), Tony Liberatore (1990), Scott Wynd (1992), Adam Cooney (2008)
