Essendon is unlikely to add to its history of Brownlow Medal winners this year. Its slow start to the season won't help some of its best contenders, and although it finished the year well to scrape into eighth position after the home-and-away season, it would be a shock if the Brownlow was donned in red and black in 2019.  

Best chance: Zach Merrett
Merrett is a proven ball-getter and vote-getter. Considered unlucky not to make the Virgin Australia All Australian squad, the prolific midfielder averaged 28.5 disposals and played every game this season. Had a standout 31-disposal and two-goal game against Adelaide in round 18, and has averaged nearly 15 votes the past three seasons.

Three-vote certainty: Jake Stringer (v Gold Coast, round 19)
Stringer was critical in a close win over the Suns, booting 4.2 from 15 disposals and being the difference between the sides. He also went into the midfield and gathered six clearances in a dominant display.

One-vote wonder: Joe Daniher
Missing all bar four games through injury means Daniher won't poll very much on Brownlow Medal night. But he could attract a vote for his four-goal effort against Collingwood in a memorable Anzac Day clash. 

2018 leading vote winner: Dyson Heppell (13 votes)

Previous winners: Dick Reynolds (1934, 1937, 1938), Bill Hutchison (1952, 1953), Graham Moss (1976), Gavin Wanganeen (1993), James Hird (1996)

Ineligible players: Nil