The Brownlow Medal - the AFL's highest individual honour - always delivers drama, surprises, and a spotlight on the game's elite talents.
In 2025, Gold Coast's Matt Rowell delivered a stunning performance to claim the medal with 39 votes, upsetting perennial favourite Nick Daicos, showcasing just how unpredictable the count can be.
With Rowell's breakthrough now in the history books, attention turns to 2026. A host of midfield stars are primed for big seasons, bolstered by team improvements, leadership roles, injury returns, and fresh opportunities to dominate in front of the umpires' eyes.
So, here are the seven players who could win the Brownlow Medal in 2026, assuming they stay healthy.
Honourable mentions: Zak Butters, Matthew Rowell, Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Ed Richards
7Errol Gulden
Just two seasons ago, Errol Gulden finished fifth in the Brownlow Medal count. Then, in 2024, he'd poll one fewer vote to finish eighth. Across those two years, Gulden polled 53 votes - more than any other Swan in the same span.
That's a gentle reminder of how good Gulden is at his best and with the hopes of completing a fully healthy season in 2026, we may see him return to that kind of form.
Even while playing just 10 games last year, Gulden's impact was evident. The Swans went 7-3 with Gulden in the lineup, and he recorded 25 or more disposals in six of those matches.
The 23-year-old averaged 26.6 disposals per game at 71.4% efficiency overall, both near career-bests, and was demonstrative on the scoreboard, averaging 6.3 score involvements. Only Isaac Heeney averaged more for the Swans in 2025 (6.9).
As the Swans look set to return to the Finals frame this year with the addition of superstar Charlie Curnow to the forward line, a spearhead who will be leading to the Sherrin fresh of Gulden's boot more often than not, expect Gulden's name to be read out plenty at Crown Melbourne in September.
