ZACH MERRETT
Merrett was on track for a top-three finish in last year's Crichton Medal before a foot injury cut short his season, but he looks set for some significant recognition in just his third year in the AFL.

The 20-year-old midfielder has stepped up incredibly well under pressure as one of the Bombers' leading ball-winners this season, and is averaging 29 disposals a game across the first 12 rounds.

His lowest number of disposals for the year was 20 in round five against Collingwood. Merrett's smarts, consistency and ball use should make him the leader of the club's best and fairest at this stage of the season.

Anyone else?
A couple of quieter games in the past month might have seen David Zaharakis slip behind Merrett in the best and fairest race at Essendon, but the 2011 Crichton medallist will have racked up plenty of votes after a brilliant start to the season.

James Kelly might also be a chance to be up there for the Bombers given his consistency off half-back, along with stand-in skipper Brendon Goddard.

How they vote
Votes are cast by four members of Essendon's match committee, with each giving a maximum of 10 votes for up to eight players in each game.