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

5Noah Anderson

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Noah Anderson of the Suns kicks the ball during the AFL Second Elimination Final match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Noah Anderson of the Suns kicks the ball during the AFL Second Elimination Final match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The addition of Christian Petracca to the Gold Coast Suns sees Noah Anderson feature on the lower rung of this star-studded top five, but the reigning co-AFLCA Champion Player of the Year will certainly amass plenty of attention from the umpires in 2026.

Anderson averaged a career-best 30.1 disposals in 2025 and dominated inside the heat of the contest, notching seven clearances per game, four of which came from stoppages.

With the Suns expected to jump into the top four in 2026, expect Anderson to be well within Brownlow conversations all season long.

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