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
4Jordan Dawson
Jordan Dawson's leadership and on-field execution played a pivotal role in Adelaide claiming the minor premiership in 2025, and if they are to reach similar heights in 2026, Dawson's tenacity will need to be at the forefront of their game.
His efficiency with ball-in-hand was a difference maker regularly for the Crows and rarely went missing in big matches, recording 20-plus disposals in all but four games last year.
What gives Dawson a unique edge on this list is he truly is the standout star in his club's respective engine room. The Suns have three genuine superstars that may pinch votes off one another throughout the year, as is the case with Fremantle, as well as GWS since the Giants acquired Clayton Oliver.
Only one other player in this top five finds themselves in a similar situation, but providing the Crows continue their dominance in the home-and-away season, expect Dawson to be one of the favourites again for the Brownlow Medal on that famous Monday night in September.
