The AFL’s biggest individual prize will be decided tonight as the 2025 Brownlow Medal count takes centre stage.
From where to watch the 2025 Brownlow Medal count to who will lead each club’s tally, here’s your complete guide to football’s night of nights.
Where to Watch the 2025 Brownlow Medal Count
Patrick Cripps of Carlton celebrates winning the 2024 Brownlow Medal at last year’s awards
Fans can tune in live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport, with coverage beginning earlier than ever before.
- Blue Carpet Confessionals: 5.30pm AEST on 7plus Sport (earlier in Adelaide and Perth)
- Red Carpet Arrivals: From 7.30pm AEST on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport
- Brownlow Medal Count: The official ceremony begins from 8.00pm AEST in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, 7.30pm in Adelaide and 6.00pm local time in Perth
That’s the Brownlow count start time for every state, so no fan misses a minute of the action.
Medal Favourites and the Predictor
Collingwood star Nick Daicos is the raging favourite to claim the top award this time around
This year’s Brownlow predictor models have tipped another tight finish, with Collingwood’s Nick Daicos leading most simulations after a season built on sheer consistency.
The Magpies superstar was prolific with disposals, regularly surpassing 30 touches, while also delivering match-winning bursts that kept him in the spotlight even when Collingwood struggled.
Right behind him is Geelong’s Bailey Smith, who made an immediate impact in his first season at Kardinia Park.
Smith’s mix of explosive pace, contested work, and a string of late-season best-on-ground performances has many predicting he could close the gap on Daicos during the count.
Geelong recruit Bailey Smith had a huge season and got better as the season went on as well
Gold Coast made history by making the finals for the first time, putting midfielder Noah Anderson firmly in the Brownlow hunt
Gold Coast’s Noah Anderson has emerged as a genuine star, dominating in the Suns’ midfield and finishing among the league leaders for clearances and contested possessions.
His ability to control the tempo of games has made him one of the umpires’ most noticeable players.
Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson enjoyed a career-best year, balancing leadership with clutch performances that swung matches.
While his disposal average dipped slightly, his All-Australian honours and big fourth-quarter efforts make him a serious threat to become the Crows’ second Brownlow Medallist.
Rounding out the contenders is Fremantle’s Caleb Serong, whose consistency in contested ball and ability to set the tone at stoppages powered the Dockers into September.
With another All-Australian blazer to his name, Serong’s mix of grit and polish gives him every chance of polling strongly.
Daily Mail Australia Predictions: Club-by-Club Leaders
Beyond the overall winner, every club has its own internal race for votes. Here’s who we expect to top each tally on Brownlow night.
Jordan Dawson of the Crows helped steer Adelaide to the minor premiership before their finals disaster
Hawthorn began to live up to their potential with Jai Newcombe having a huge season for the Hawks
The form of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera led to a bidding war that ultimately saw him stay at the Saints – for now
- Adelaide Crows – Jordan Dawson: The Crows’ captain had a career-best season, combining leadership with big game moments.
- Brisbane Lions – Hugh McCluggage: Earned All-Australian honours and was a constant midfield presence, even when injuries hit teammates.
- Carlton – Patrick Cripps: The Blues skipper remains their most visible ball-winner, likely to outpoll George Hewett.
- Collingwood – Nick Daicos: One of the competition’s most watchable stars, Daicos is not just Collingwood’s leader but a medal favourite.
- Essendon – Zach Merrett: Shoulders the Bombers’ midfield load, accumulating touches even in a difficult campaign.
- Fremantle – Caleb Serong: Another All-Australian blazer in 2025; his consistency through the middle should earn votes across the year.
- Geelong Cats – Bailey Smith: Thrived in his first season as a Cat, racking up big disposal games and plenty of clearances.
- Gold Coast Suns – Noah Anderson: Edges out best mate Matt Rowell, though both will take votes off each other.
- GWS Giants – Tom Green: Contested possession king and clearance leader, made himself impossible to ignore.
- Hawthorn – Jai Newcombe: The Hawks’ most reliable midfielder and a standout in their handful of victories.
- Melbourne – Max Gawn: Still the benchmark ruckman, often dominating games with both hitouts and ball use.
- North Melbourne – Tristan Xerri: Breakthrough season as a top ruck; should narrowly hold off Harry Sheezel.
- Port Adelaide – Zak Butters: Electrified the Power midfield, his creativity and energy placing him well clear of teammates.
- Richmond – Tim Taranto: Tough and uncompromising, Taranto’s contested work sets him apart as Richmond’s vote leader.
- St Kilda – Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera: A breakout year as a classy distributor off half-back, commanding attention.
- Sydney Swans – Isaac Heeney: Another strong season balancing goals with midfield craft; Grundy and Warner may pinch a few but Heeney leads.
- West Coast Eagles – Harley Reid: The rookie sensation will steal votes in a rebuilding side, even with limited wins.
- Western Bulldogs – Marcus Bontempelli: Arguably the AFL’s best player; the Dogs captain will again dominate his club count.
The stage is set for one of the closest Brownlow counts in years. With Nick Daicos, Bailey Smith, Noah Anderson, Jordan Dawson and Caleb Serong all capable of claiming the game’s highest individual honour, football fans are bracing for a dramatic finish.
Grab your seat, check the Brownlow count start time, and lock in to Seven or 7plus for every moment of glamour, drama and votes as the 2025 Brownlow Medal count unfolds.
