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

3Bailey Smith

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Bailey Smith of the Cats celebrates a goal during the AFL Second Preliminary Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Bailey Smith of the Cats celebrates a goal during the AFL Second Preliminary Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Smith relished in his increased midfield minutes at the Cattery, leading the league in disposals per game and averaging career-highs in metres gained, clearances, inside 50s and score involvements in 2025.

With a grand final appearance, All-Australian nod and AFLCA Champion Player of the Year title to boot, Smith has certainly staked a claim to be a top 10 player in the league at minimum.

What's exciting is that Geelong has undoubtedly bolstered their midfield group for 2026, adding James Worpel's hard-nosed ball-winning abilities on the interior, while Tanner Bruhn also returns to the cohort after a year on the sidelines.

This will give Smith more time in areas where he can use the footy best, potentially enhancing his efficiency by foot to further capitalise on his run-and-gun power. That should give plenty of belief he'll be thereabouts again in the Brownlow conversation in seven months time.

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