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.

7. Errol Gulden

Gulden is an outside chance for the Brownlow given his slower start to the season, having only entered the conversation for individual accolades after his breakout since the Swans' bye, having been a main contributor to the Swans' ability to get back into finals contention.

Since Round 15, Gulden has averaged 30 disposals per game, with the young Swans star expected to poll the top votes for a lot of those games. Last weekend's performance against GWS saw Gulden finish with 32 disposals, five marks, seven tackles and 2.2 to lead the Swans to victory and take out the maximum 10 Coaches' votes, so he will no doubt poll maximum votes in that game.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Errol Gulden of the Swans celebrates after kicking a goal during the round one AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Sydney Swans at The Gabba on March 20, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Whilst he most likely won't win the Brownlow, Gulden should lead the vote count for his club and will be a strong finisher on the night.