Zach Merrett has moved to third on Essendon's all-time Brownlow Medal leaderboard.

Merrett’s tally of 18 at Monday night’s count saw the Dons’ skipper move into rare air, moving past club legend Simon Madden (139) to now sit on 146 votes.

The 28-year-old now sits eight votes behind the great Dick Reynolds (154), who is second to two-time Brownlow medallist Bill Hutchison (174).

Merrett led the charge all year in the Bombers midfield and was rewarded with a four-straight three-vote game stretch between rounds five to eight.

The Bombers’ ball-winner polled in seven games and further ensured he’ll be a hot favourite to add a fifth Crichton Medal to his resume next week.

Utility Nic Martin was a notable second to Merrett in only his third season of AFL football.

The 23-year-old gathered 15 votes to more than double his career Brownlow tally.

Jye Caldwell earned a third-best eight votes after a sensational year as an inside midfielder.

Fourth-year midfielder Sam Durham picked up his first career three-game vote with a stellar performance in round 15 against West Coast.

See the Bombers 12-vote-getters below.