2022 treated us to one of the closest and unexpected Brownlow counts in recent times, with the winner still unknown when Gil McLachlan started the count for Round 23's votes. However, a best-on-ground performance in the final weekend against Collingwood saw Patrick Cripps narrowly win by a singular vote over Lachie Neale.
This year's Brownlow night is looming to be even more interesting than last year's.
Nick Daicos was the clear favourite to win the Brownlow Medal coming into Round 21, having played the most tantalising season out of all the contenders. However, a knee injury sustained against Hawthorn is expected to keep him out until halfway through September, leaving the door wide open for other contenders.
With three games to play out for the season, the race is on to see if Daicos holds on to his lead or if another player can catch up. Marcus Bontempelli and Christian Petracca both loom as the biggest threats to Daicos currently, but gaps in their performances, as well as other teammates anticipated to earn votes, may jeopardise their chances.
According to our MVP leaderboard, there are nine players who will poll heavily on Brownlow night.
We assess how Daicos, Botempelli and Petracca could fare come the AFL's 'night of nights' and which dark horses could still be in the running.
2. Marcus Bontempelli
Bontempelli emerged as the favourite after Daicos' injury, with his odds coming in substantially. Bontempelli has been as consistent a performer as Daicos, while a slower start to the season and a drop off between Round 9 and the bye could hinder his chances. Since the bye however, 'The Bont,' has started to find the form which saw him come runner up in the 2021 Brownlow Medal count.
Last weekend against Richmond saw a perfect 10 for Bontempelli in the Coaches' Votes, which will likely translate to three votes on Brownlow night after finishing the game with 32 disposals, 10 clearances and three goals. However, Bontempelli is only one figure in such a strong engine room, with teammates Tom Liberatore and Tim English set to challenge him for votes.
The votes in Round 19 could go either way, with Liberatore having 36 disposals, 12 clearances and four tackles whilst Bontempelli had 29 disposals, 11 marks and two goals.
The Bulldogs have games against Hawthorn, West Coast and Geelong to round out the season. Bontempelli will most likely need to poll close to five votes to win the medal, with the game against Geelong looming as the toughest one to earn the standout plaudits.
