Following the outcome of last year's recording-breaking count, it's seemingly harder than ever to predict how the Brownlow Medal race will unfold.
The 2024 count saw the previous single-season votes record under the 3-2-1 format shattered by two players, with Carlton captain Patrick Cripps going on to claim his second Brownlow with a staggering 45 votes.
Cripps will again be a leading contender for this year's award but will have plenty of competition from some of the game's household names.
Here we name seven leading options for the 2025 Brownlow Medal and a further three who could make a late charge.
6. Jason Horne-Francis
The former No.1 pick enjoyed a solid third season last year to poll 19 Brownlow votes, finishing equal with Marcus Bontempelli and ahead of Luke Davies-Uniacke, Zach Merrett, and Sam Walsh, among others.
Horne-Francis was limited to 21 games due to an early season hamstring setback, with a full year potentially seeing him break the 20-vote barrier in 2024.
That benchmark is sure to be surpassed this season as Horne-Francis continues his development as one of the most threatening midfielders in the competition.
Able to dominate the midfield and swing forward to have a memorable impact, Horne-Francis might be Port Adelaide's best chance to bring a second Brownlow to Alberton after Ollie Wines' feat in 2021.
Captain Connor Rozee will also be in the mix should his pre-season form be anything to go off, while Zak Butters' prospects have been hurt by a knee injury.
