Ahead of this year’s Brownlow medal count, have your say on which Bomber had the best Brownlow year.

Gavin Wanganeen in 1993:

The 19 year old played 18 home and away matches that season.  The Bombers finished on top of the ladder and won through to the Grand Final after a thrilling come from behind preliminary final win against Adelaide.

The Brownlow Medal count kick started the Grand Final week festivities but, after seven rounds, it was shaping as a quiet night for Wanganeen.  He picked up his first votes in round eight and had just seven votes to his name by round 15.  Then a stellar month of football where he picked up 11 votes catapulted him into the lead and he held on to win by one vote from Garry Hocking and Greg Williams.

By the end of the week, Wanganeen had a premiership medal to add to his collection.  Essendon beat Carlton by 44 points with Wanganeen collecting 20 disposals and kicking a goal.  He was also named in the All-Australian side that year.

James Hird in 1996:

Hird was 23 and entering the best years of his career.  He picked up two votes in round one but it was a three-week block from round three when he really got rolling.  He picked up eight votes in that period which included a 30 possession, three-goal performance against Footscray.  

Six goals and 30 possessions against Hawthorn in round 13 saw him pick up another best on ground.  Entering the last round Hird needed three votes to draw level with Michael Voss. 

As he did so often during his career, he delivered, with 30 disposals and 13 marks earning him the three votes.  

Hird averaged 24 possessions and seven marks throughout the year and kicked 39 goals.