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
6Jai Newcombe
Newcombe is an outside chance according to the bookies, but considering the Hawks' current list weaknesses, Newcombe could surge into Brownlow conversations by holding up the Hawks' engine room in Will Day's absence.
Additionally, the loss of James Worpel will further emphasise Newcombe's inside game - something the umpires clearly adore considering Matthew Rowell's dominance on the night last year.
Newcombe is not just a young kid from the country trying to make his way in the big leagues anymore either. He's been named Hawthorn's co-captain for 2026 and produced two of the highest-rated finals performances in recent memory to capture the attention from fans, pundits and umpires alike.
That backs up a career-year for the 24-year-old, who averaged 22.4 disposals, 5.9 clearances, 5.9 score involvements and 5.1 tackles per game last year.
Get ready for a Newcombe explosion in 2026, as his play could define Hawthorn's season - and potentially establish himself as one of the top midfielders in the country.
