Best chance: Zach Merrett
Essendon's best and fairest winner had an exceptional breakout season for the club, playing every game and averaging 30 disposals.
Merrett's ability to find the ball at the stoppages and tackle ferociously when he didn't have it himself should win the plaudits of the umpires, but there will be many times he misses out on votes because he played in Essendon's wooden-spoon winning side.
According to AFL.com.au's Brownlow predictor, Merrett will poll 12 votes – nine of which will come in the last eight weeks of the season, including a best-on-ground showing against Carlton in round 23.
Fast starter: David Zaharakis
Zaharakis started the season in top form before taggers begun clamping down on him. The midfielder averaged 32 disposals in the opening month of the season, including an excellent 34-disposal and one-goal game against Geelong in round four.
One-vote wonder: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
The first-year revelation had some impressive games across half-back for the Bombers this season but his chance to register his first Brownlow vote may come as a forward. McDonald-Tipungwuti kicked four goals in Essendon's round 23 win over the Blues and was terrific in attack.
Total votes
It shapes as a lean night for the Bombers at this year's Brownlow Medal count, which is probably no surprise given their three-win season and the fact a large chunk of their regular vote getters were suspended for the season. AFL.com.au has Essendon collecting just 28 votes in total.
