Take a look at some of the biggest talking points and stranger moments from the 2026 Brownlow Medal.

BROWNLOW TRACKER See every vote from every game
NICK'S NIGHT Daicos sets new Brownlow record with famous win
YOUR CLUB'S BROWNLOW Every vote, first timers, biggest shocks
TALKING POINTS Kozzy empty handed, Butters' shock vote, AA misses
HAWK'S SHOCK The 23 times the umpires and coaches disagreed
GALLERY All the pics from the 2026 Brownlow Medal red carpet
MOTY/GOTY Wizard's wet-weather screamer, Lion's miracle voted best of the year

Danger goes top with huge movement in the all-time list

With two votes for his five goals in a round 17 loss to Brisbane, Patrick Dangerfield moved equal top of the all-time list with Gary Ablett jnr on 262 votes. "He's arguably the greatest player ever. It's nice to have two Cats up there," Danger told the live coverage. It was a night with plenty of movement in the top 10 as the modern-day champions surged up the all-time standings. Marcus Bontempelli storming into third place overall (247), while two-time winners Lachie Neale (245) and Patrick Cripps (232) are now fourth and fifth, respectively.

$900,000 ring turns heads

Fremantle forward Josh Treacy's partner, Nikki Miller, turned heads on the broadcast wearing a spectacular Perth Mint ring valued at an estimated $900,000. The dazzling piece, which was loaned to her for the event, added a touch of luxury to Australian football's biggest night and quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about accessories of the evening. Known as the Kimberley Sunset Ring, it featured three rare centre stones totalling 0.85 carats. Handcrafted over 160 hours using 18-carat Australian Origin Gold, the piece also included a hidden boab tree motif beneath the setting, symbolising its connection to the Western Australian landscape.

From umpire abuse to one vote for Butters

One of the big early-season incidents saw Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters fined $1500 by the AFL for abusing umpire Nick Foot during his team's Gather Round loss to St Kilda. Butters went to the Tribunal and lost, before then heading to the Appeals Board where the case was thrown out after his defence proved a "miscarriage of justice" with a panel member listening from his car. Foot and his fellow umpires didn't let the incident cloud their judgement when it came to voting, giving Butters one vote for his 31 disposals, one goal and five clearances.

James Hird returns for first time since 2012

James Hird marked a significant milestone at the 2026 count, stepping onto the red carpet at Crown Palladium alongside his partner, Natalie. The 1996 Brownlow Medallist and former Essendon coach had not attended Australian football's night of nights in an official capacity since 2012, before the fallout from the Essendon supplements saga. His appearance marked a symbolic moment in his re-engagement with the AFL and the broader football community, representing a long-awaited return for one of the game's most decorated figures as he re-entered the spotlight.

Poor old Kozzy

Heading into the night, there was one player who was nominated for all three major awards outside of the Brownlow. Kysaiah Pickett was in the running for the Virgin AFL Mark of the Year, Coles AFL Goal of the Year and the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award. But alas for the dynamic Demon, he went home empty handed after Nick 'The Wizard' Watson, Conor McKenna and Bailey Banfield won the respective gongs. Kozzy will have to be satisfied with his 20 Brownlow votes and knowing he puts a smile on everyone's face whenever he runs on to the field.

Did the All-Australian selectors miss this pair?

There's always conjecture surrounding the All-Australian squad and team, and Monday night's count won’t help. North Melbourne's Harry Sheezel couldn't make the squad of 46 yet now has a fifth-place finish beside his name in the Brownlow. His 27 votes was the highest by a Kangaroo since 1983 when Ross Glendinning won the award by polling 24. Then there's young Lions star Will Ashcroft. Overlooked for the AA team, Ashcroft joined Sheezel and Patrick Cripps in joint fifth spot. He also finished fourth in the AFL Coaches Association award. A bit unlucky to not get his first AA jacket?

Pendles polls for a 20th season

It was as inevitable as his (former) teammate Nick Daicos' victory, but Scott Pendlebury polled votes for a record-equalling 20th season. His iconic Anzac Day performance against Essendon – remember the 43 disposals and two goals – was good enough for three votes and a place in history alongside St Kilda's dual winner Robert Harvey. Pendles backed it up later in the season with two votes for his 29 touches against Adelaide.

Defenders snag rare Brownlow votes

Tom McCartin emerged as the ultimate wildcard, claiming three votes in round one against Brisbane, despite it being just the second Brownlow vote of his career in 154 matches. Similarly, Lachie Bramble broke a long drought by collecting only his second career vote, earning a single vote in round 20 - in game No.102. Both long-serving players provided unexpected polling highlights on a night otherwise dominated by the usual contenders.

Watson rejects 'Marbs' as travel buddy in hilarious MOTY speech

Sam Mitchell was left laughing and shaking his head during Nick Watson's 2026 Virgin Australia Mark of the Year acceptance speech after the young Hawk revealed who he wouldn't be sharing his prize with. When it was suggested good friend and Hawthorn teammate Mabior Chol would be the obvious choice to split the two million Virgin Velocity points, Watson joked that 'Marbs' was actually the last person he'd take. Instead, the excitement machine set his sights on a trip to America, although he admitted homesickness has limited his travel experience. An upcoming trip to New Zealand, he said, would be the perfect test before taking on a bigger overseas adventure.

Bontempelli rewrites history

Marcus Bontempelli made history in round 15, polling three votes to reach a record-breaking 57 career best-on-ground performances, surpassing Patrick Dangerfield’s mark of 56. He didn't stop there, adding another three maximum-vote outings across rounds 18, 19 and 24 to extend his lead at the top of the all-time list. Meanwhile, Lions star Lachie Neale also surged up the rankings, moving past Dangerfield into second place with 57 maximum-vote games of his own. Further down the leaderboard, Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps continued his relentless climb, reaching 45 career maximum-vote performances.