Last updated: June 2026
How the Brownlow Medal Works
The Brownlow Medal is awarded to the AFL's best and fairest player each season. Umpires vote 3-2-1 after each match for the best players on the ground. The player with the most votes at the end of the home-and-away season wins the medal. Players suspended during the season are ineligible.
2026 Brownlow Medal Favourites
Patrick Cripps (Carlton) — $4.50
Cripps is a proven vote-getter and former winner (2022). His contested ball work catches umpires' eyes. If Carlton are winning games, Cripps polls heavily.
Nick Daicos (Collingwood) — $5.00
Daicos is the most exciting mid in the competition and accumulates votes in bunches. His outside game and goal-kicking ability make him hard to ignore for umpires.
Lachie Neale (Brisbane) — $6.50
The 2020 and 2023 winner. Neale is consistently in the votes and his disposal numbers are elite. Always a threat.
Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs) — $8.00
The Bont has finished top five in Brownlow voting four times. He's due for a win and his all-round game polls heavily.
Errol Gulden (Sydney) — $10.00
Gulden's kicking and creativity stand out. If Sydney win enough games, he could be a bolter at double-figure odds.
Past Brownlow Medal Winners
- 2025: Nick Daicos (Collingwood) — 36 votes
- 2024: Zak Butters (Port Adelaide) — 34 votes
- 2023: Lachie Neale (Brisbane) — 36 votes
- 2022: Patrick Cripps (Carlton) — 31 votes
- 2021: Ollie Wines (Port Adelaide) — 36 votes
- 2020: Lachie Neale (Brisbane) — 31 votes
- 2019: Nat Fyfe (Fremantle) — 33 votes
Brownlow Betting Strategy
Focus on midfielders: Umpires vote for midfielders at a much higher rate than defenders or forwards. Only one key forward (Dustin Martin in 2017) has won it in the last 15 years.
Team success matters: Players from winning teams poll disproportionately well. Look for midfielders on top-eight sides.
Suspension check: Any suspended player is ineligible regardless of votes. Monitor the tribunal closely.
Round-by-round polling: Track who's getting 3-vote performances. Consistent 2-vote games are just as valuable as occasional 3-vote hauls.
Value Picks for 2026
Sam Walsh (Carlton) — $15: Polls well in wins and Carlton are expected to improve. If Cripps and Walsh split votes, Walsh could outpoll his teammate at much better odds.
Tom Green (GWS) — $21: A pure contested ball winner who catches umpires' eyes. Good value if GWS push for top four.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Betting involves financial risk. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. If you need help, contact Gambling Help Online at 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.