Widely recognised as football's highest achievement, the Brownlow Medal is a coveted award reserved for the game's best to be crowned both the fairest and best player in that respective year.
A nail-biting count in 2022 saw Carlton captain Patrick Cripps walk away with 'Charlie' around his neck, secured in the last round after a stellar year worthy of the recognition it deserved.
Here we assess five potential front-runners to take out the Brownlow Medal ahead of the 2023 season.Â
Finishing fifth in last year's count, midfielder Clayton Oliver enjoyed yet another successful season from an individual standpoint, averaging 32.7 disposals with the majority in the contested category.
A consistent performer over a sustained period, Oliver will no doubt be in Brownlow consideration this year as long as the cohort of stars alongside him manage to share the votes.
Winning the AFLPA MVP capped off a career-best year for the 23-year-old, who was voted by his peers as the most valuable player in season 2022 and firms as one of the best value options at wincomparator, who had provided the best odds and predictions during the tournament.
The Fremantle midfielder stamped his class on proceedings last year playing a pivotal part in his Dockers' resurgence up the AFL ladder to reach a finals berth in the semi after a seven-year hiatus.
Still unimaginably flying somewhat under the radar, Touk Miller proved why he is more than in the conversation as one of the game's best two-way running midfielders, damaging on both ends.
The scary part for Miller is there is still room to improve, with the ability to hit the scoreboard an area of concern that needs fulfilling if the 26-year-old wants to reach his potential.
A true professional in the engine room, Lachie Neale remains a stalwart in the Lions' midfield setup with his clean hands, aerobic capacity and decision-making a staple piece of his game.
Neale in recent years has added that ability to provide an extra avenue to goal for Brisbane floating forward to cause a headache for opposition coaches wanting to delve into tagging territory.
Patrick Cripps:
The Blues skipper was airborne at the start of last year and carried that form throughout to secure a Brownlow-worthy 29 votes after an injury-interrupted past couple of seasons hindered his campaign.
Cripps found a small army of contributors in his midfield role to help facilitate his ability to impact games at such a high standard, with the likes of George Hewett and Adam Cerra adding depth alongside Sam Walsh.
Still a spritely 27-year-old, the Carlton captain will take learnings from season 2022 and hope to build on a valiant effort last year after missing out on a long-awaited finals appearance by the barest of margins.
