The Bombers won't have a contender for the Brownlow with best chance star midfielder Zach Merrett serving a one-game suspension late in the year.
He was their leading hope, particularly after polling a team-high 19 votes last week.
The Brownlow Predictor expects Merrett to poll 18 votes this season, and 10 Bombers to receive votes across the season.
Best chance: Joe Daniher
With Merrett suspended during the season, Daniher becomes Essendon's best of its eligible players.
The star key forward had some brilliant games this season and should get best-afield nod in at least three games, including his five-goal hauls against Collingwood and Geelong.
Fast starter: Dyson Heppell
The new Essendon skipper returned to an AFL field for the first time in 18 months and blitzed in the Bombers' round one win over Hawthorn with 34 disposals and three goals.
He should get off to a flyer with three votes.
One-vote wonder: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
In AFL.com.au's Brownlow Predictor there is no Bomber who ends the season with just a single vote.
McDonald-Tipungwuti is closest with two, and he is an eye-catching player so should have his moments in the eyes of the umpires.
Ineligible: Zach Merrett.
