In a count that everyone has written off as a Nick Daicos domination, Shai Bolton and Murphy Reid are shaping as Freo’s best Brownlow Medal hopes, widely tipped to top the WA count.
Daicos has become the unbackable favourite for the Medal after a near-miss last season, with many predicting a record vote count.
But the Dockers are also set to be rewarded for their minor premiership season with plenty of votes.
Fremantle will enjoy the count from the comfort of Perth as they prepare to face Brisbane in the grand final on Saturday, and there will be plenty of competition for the club’s top vote-getter.
Bolton started the season in career-best form and is likely to poll well early.
However, any team that goes on a 14-game winning streak has a wide range of contributors, which means teammates take votes off each other.
Luke Jackson, who has evolved into the game’s best ruck across 2026, is set to poll highly, while Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw always factor in.
Second-year midfielder Reid could also get a nice confidence boost ahead of the decider with the AFL’s Brownlow Medal vote predictor suggesting he will be the Dockers’ leader.
Reid had a sensational season before a testicular injury ended his home-and-away campaign early.
The vote count won’t be the only award for Fremantle fans to keep an eye on, with Bolton up for Mark of the Year, which earns a $50,000 and two million Velocity Points prize.
The forward-mid’s stunning effort against Geelong at Optus Stadium is a top contender alongside Kysaiah Pickett and Hawthorn magician Nick Watson.
Watson’s mark also came at Optus Stadium in the pouring rain against West Coast in round 24.
West Coast fans will also have something to watch with the AFL’s predictor expecting young gun Harley Reid to have a strong year.
The midfield bull is ineligible for the Medal after serving a suspension, but after a lean run, the Eagles may finally get some Brownlow night joy.
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