Kyle Langford
Langford has been made to earn his place in Essendon's midfield, but now that he's there looks set for a permanent stay. Langford, who joined the Bombers as a first-round draft pick in 2014, started his career as a half-forward. But after coach John Worsfold identified his future as a tall and strong inside midfielder, Langford went back to the VFL to work on his craft. He played the first two games of this season before being dropped again, but he returned in round nine and has played every game since, including some strong wins against the Eagles, Kangaroos and the Suns. Langford suffered a case of whiplash late in the Bombers' win over Sydney last Friday but is expected to play this week against Hawthorn. 

Langford's best game in 2018 
R17 v Gold Coast. Langford had a career-high 26 disposals against the Suns and 10 inside-50s as Essendon notched up a win on the road.

Other contenders
Shaun McKernan. - Callum Twomey