BROWNLOW MEDAL PREDICTOR

Josh Rachele played one of the standout games of his career, booting 4 goals from 26 disposals in a must win match for Adelaide in the opening match of Gather Round. Rachele’s move to the midfield this season has been a great one, picking up 13 contested possessions, 6 clearances and 6 inside 50s.

Sam Berry was well suited for the tricky wet conditions, picking up a game high 18 contested possessions and equal game high- 29 disposals as well as 6 tackles and 5 inside 50s.

Placing fourth in last year’s Brownlow count- Jordan Dawson is finally on the leaderboard in Round 5, with the Adelaide skipper having 26 disposals, 10 contested possessions, an equal team high- 6 clearances as well as 7 score involvements and a goal.

Luke Jackson was everywhere for the Dockers in their narrow win against Collingwood, picking up the ruck duties after Sean Darcy went off injured to finish with 38 hitouts, 9 tackles, 5 clearances and 17 disposals.

Two-time All-Australian Luke Ryan was brilliant at setting up the game from defence, with a game high- 10 rebound 50s, taking 10 marks and using his 25 disposals at 96% efficiency.

Collingwood were in the match all game, and it was thanks mostly to their best player Nick Daicos, who had a game high- 31 disposals, 638 meters gained and 7 inside 50s. Always a threat to poll votes when he isn’t tagged.

Two-time Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale was the Lions best player on the ground with 30 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 10 clearances, and 7 inside 50s- all of which are game highs.

Zac Bailey was an effective presence in the midfield and up forward with 21 disposals, a team high- 559 meters gained and kicking 2 goals in a match where the Lions need to play all four quarters to secure the win.

Harry Sheezel was the Kangaroos best player with an equal game high- 30 disposals as well as 13 contested possessions, 6 clearances and 7 score involvements.

Essendon secured up their first win of the season and it’s a trio of Bomber’s who will be rewarded for their efforts in the votes. Archie Roberts picked up where he left off last week, with another back half masterclass. The 20-year-old had a game high- 42 disposals, 15 marks, 11 intercept marks, 658 meters gained and 9 rebound 50s as well as a goal.

Darcy Parish played his best game of the season after a slow start, filling the stats sheet with 34 disposals, 8 inside 50s, 13 score involvements, 7 clearances, and 11 contested possessions.

Former skipper- Zach Merrett collected his first predicted votes of the season, with 31 disposals, 5 marks, 5 clearances, 9 score involvements, 455 meters gained and a goal being good enough to make it into the top-3 for this particular match.

Isaac Heeney was arguably the best player of the entire round for the second week running, collecting a game high- 33 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 10 clearances as well as 11 tackles, 12 score involvements and 2 goals. Back-to-back best on grounds for the three-time All-Australian since returning from injury.

Justin McInerney proved his opening round performance wasn’t just a one off, being an integral part of the Swans midfield every week since. McInerney found himself in the votes again with 27 disposals (second most of any Swan), 12 score involvements (equal game high), 6 clearances, 6 inside 50s and a goal.

Brodie Grundy and Tom Papley were once again hard to split so were both added to the minor votes. Grundy was huge with 20 disposals, 12 tackles, 7 clearances and 36 hitouts, whilst Papley was at his energetic best with 17 disposals, 3 fantastic goals and 9 score involvements.

Jack Ginnivan was sensational and is now the prototype for the high half forward- picking up 28 disposals, 9 marks, 11 contested, 6 inside 50s and a game high- 10 score involvements including a goal.

Co-captain Jai Newcombe did all his best work at the coalface as per usual, with a game high- 14 clearances and 19 contested possessions from his 28 disposals, as well as hitting the scoreboard with a goal.

Mitch Lewis’ form this season has been sensational, with another dominant performance in front of the big sticks and around the ground. Lewis kicked 3 goals from 18 disposals and took 10 marks in an eye-catching display.

Bailey Smith has taken over as the leader of the Brownlow Medal Leaderboard with another best on ground performance, now being in the votes for four straight matches. The third-place finisher in last year’s count had an equal game high- 34 disposals and game high- 15 inside 50s, 13 score involvements and 868 meters gained against West Coast.

Tanner Bruhn had a brilliant game against the weaker West Coast midfield, with the young on-baller picking up 28 disposals, 7 tackles, 8 inside 50s and 11 score involvements.

Max Holmes continues to consistently be a threat to the opposition, collecting 34 disposals at 82% efficiency and making 670 meters for his side.

Finn Callaghan was the best player on the ground against the young Tigers, with the smooth moving Giant picking up 37 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 6 clearances and 8 score involvements in a well-rounded performance.

Lachie Ash is a likely All-Australian chance if this form continues, with another standout display with 35 disposals at 80% efficiency, 8 rebound 50s and a game high- 932 meters gained.

Since moving over from Melbourne, Clayton Oliver has been a great addition to the Giants midfield and has been getting involved in more scores than previous years. Oliver had his typical 31 disposals, 15 contested possessions and 8 clearances, but was also able to impact with a game high- 10 score involvements.

Now dealing with more attention in 2026, Nasiah Wanganeen- Milera was able to get off the chain in a St Kilda win and get in the votes for the first time this season. The 2-million-dollar man picked up 28 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 9 tackles and kicked 2 goals.

Zak Butters was once again the Power’s best player in a match they only lost by 14 points, topping all players for the match with 31 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 10 inside 50s and 631 meters gained and kicking a goal.

Hugh Garcia was the Saints best in an under player with a team high- 14 contested possessions, game high- 10 clearances from his 26 disposals and also impacted with a goal.

Two-time Norm Smith Medallist- Will Ashcroft was clearly the best player on the ground against a weakened Collingwood, picking up game high- 36 disposals, 15 contested possessions and 11 score involvements including a goal.

Zac Bailey continues to prove why he is about to be one of the highest paid players in the game, collecting 25 touches with maximum damage- including 11 score involvements, 7 inside 50s and 2 goals.

Lions spearhead- Logan Morris had a dominant performance with 3 goals, 9 marks and 10 score involvements from a career high- 20 disposals.

Luke Davies- Uniacke was dominant through the midfield against the struggling Blues, leading the match for clearances (9) and contested possessions (16) from his 22 disposals, also using the ball at 86% efficiency and being involved in the play that led to a match winning goal for North Melbourne.

Dylan Stephens outside run and carry was important for the Roos, picking up 26 disposals (the second most on the ground) at 80% efficiency, leading all players for meters gained with 665.

Colby McKercher was another outside ball carrier that has a large impact on the result, with 24 disposals as well as a game high- 8 intercept possessions.

Caleb Serong pushed into striking distance of the leader in the Brownlow Medal Predictor, now on 6 predicted votes this season after a best on ground performance against the Crows. In the 2-point win, Serong picked up a game high- 32 disposals and 630 meters gained to go with 13 contested possessions and 6 clearances.

Jy Amiss was impacting up forward in a low scoring game, kicking four goals from his 10 disposals, using the ball at 90% efficiency and 8 of those leading to scores.

James Peatling was arguably the Crows best player, having a game high- 15 contested possessions and 8 clearances from his 26 disposals, as well as kicking a goal in the narrow home loss.

Zak Butters was once again the most prolific Power player in their one-sided victory with 30 disposals, using the ball at 86% efficiency as well as having 6 clearances and 8 score involvements. In a team that isn’t stacked with talent, Butters could cash in on some early Brownlow votes this season.

Aliir Aliir was getting in the way of everything as the young Tiger’s attempted to make an attack, with 18 of his 23 possessions being intercepts and having a game high- 14 contested possessions.

Kane Farrell had an impact with and without the ball, finishing with 24 disposals and having a game high 8 score involvements and 808 meters gained as well as 10 intercept possessions.

Isaac Heeney returned from injury in fine form, being the clear best on ground with 26 disposals, 8 marks – including the likely mark of the year- and kicking 4 goals to prove he is still the best player on the Swans list.

Chad Warner enjoyed playing in WA as he always does, running amuck on the larger surface and picking up 24 disposals, 8 clearances, 9 inside 50s, 13 score involvements and 2 goals.

Tom Papley wasn’t as accurate as he’d hope in his 200th game, but was still one of the most impactful players on the ground with a game high- 14 score involvements and 575 meters gained, with 2 goals from 24 disposals.

Brodie Grundy was enormous in the ruck and around the ground, as the leader on the ground for disposals (28), clearances (9), contested possessions (18) and hitouts (33) as well as a goal.

Jack Steele has been producing the form that saw him win back-to-back All-Australian honours and poll consistent Brownlow votes. The former St Kilda skipper had a game high- 26 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 11 clearances as well as 8 tackles.

Kysaiah Pickett is one of the most eye-catching players in the competition, picking up 25 disposals and 6 clearances with a game high- 10 inside 50s and 633 meters gained, showcasing his speed with some blistering runs.

Veteran forward Jake Melksham isn’t just making up the numbers, with the 34-year-old kicking 4 important goals and taking a hanger that demoralised the Gold Coast defence.

Arguably the greatest ever ruckman, Max Gawn put up another elite performance as the Demon’s exceed expectations. The former Premiership captain picked up 22 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 32 hitouts and a goal.

This match was over at quarter time, and this was mainly thanks to Marcus Bontempelli who set the tone early. 12 of Bontempelli’s 35 disposals were in the opening term, to go with 1 goal and 4 score involvements. The Bont is currently atop the Brownlow Predictor Leaderboard with Nick Daicos missing due to injury. This could be the year of redemption for the two-time Brownlow runner-up.

Matt Kennedy was brilliant at the coalface with a team high- 36 disposals, 18 contested possessions and 11 clearances as well as a goal.

Archie Roberts is being rewarded in the votes, picking up a game high- 37 disposals, 12 marks, 708 meters gained as well as 6 score involvements from the backline, with the Bombers bringing the margin to 34 points in a match many predicted would be 90 + point margin.

Bailey Smith finds himself in the top 3 of the Brownlow predictor with an arguably best on ground performance in a losing side, leading or equal leading for disposals (33), contested possessions (14), clearances (6), inside 50s (8) and meters gained (663) and running hard for all four quarters.

Hawks skipper- Jai Newcombe led from the front as per usual, with 25 disposals, 14 contested possessions (equal game high), 6 clearances (equal game high) and 5 inside 50s as one of the better performed Hawthorn mids in the win.

Josh Ward was the most prolific Hawks as they snapped their Easter Monday hoodoo, picking up a team high- 29 disposals to go with 10 contested and 5 inside 50s.

Round 3 Brownlow Votes and Article

Bailey Smith was at his ball winning best in Round 3, the same form that saw him pick up an All-Australian jacket and place third in last year’s Brownlow Medal. Smith picked up a game high- 40 disposals in the Geelong win, as well as leading the match for contested possessions and tackles with 16 and 10 respectively.

Alongside Smith, Max Holmes was typically dominant through the midfield with 27 disposals, seven score involvements, 603 meters gained and kicking a goal.

In a close game, Josh Rachele was the Crows best player, having his best ever game through the midfield, with a career high- 31 disposals to go with 13 contested, seven clearances, seven inside 50s and a goal.

Fresh off a bye, Nick Daicos put himself into the lead on the Brownlow Medal Predictor with another Best on Ground performance. The three-time All-Australian led the Magpies with 36 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 12 inside 50s, 770 meters gained and six clearances as well as hitting the scoreboard with two goals.

Tim Membrey led the much-maligned Collingwood forward line, kicking four goals, taking seven marks and leading all players with eight score involvements.

Josh Daicos’ role in the backline has worked a charm for Collingwood in the last two seasons, with the smooth-mover picking up 33 disposals at 90% efficiency, making 662 meters and taking eight marks.

Brisbane was challenged for three and a half quarters before the reigning Premiers flexed their muscles and pushed the margin to a flattering 33-points. It was Will Ashcroft that made this final quarter impact, with 16 of his 31 disposals and four of his 10 clearances coming in the last term.

Jarrod Berry was the equal disposal winner alongside Ashcroft, having 31 touches to go with 10 marks, five inside 50s and seven score involvements including a goal.

Former skipper- Dayne Zorko’s influence is still felt from the back half, with 28 disposals, six intercept possessions and a game high- eight rebound 50s and 732 meters gained.

Caleb Serong was the standout midfielder after being tagged to 16 disposals last weekend, stuffing the stats sheet with an impressive 32 disposals, 15 contested possessions, nine clearances, eight inside 50s and 12 score involvements with two goals of his own.

Josh Treacy would’ve been a lock for the three votes had he kicked straight, with the imposing spearhead kicking four goals, three behinds from 16 touches and 12 marks. A constant threat the Tigers had no answers for.

Former Premiership Tiger- Shai Bolton was classy as ever in his role as a full-time midfielder, showing Richmond what they are missing out on. Bolton had a game high- 33 disposals, six inside 50s, seven score involvements and 573 meters gained.

It was the North Melbourne midfield that cashed in against the Bombers and were able to secure all available Brownlow votes. Luke Parker wound back the clock and proved there’s still plenty of good footy left out of the former Swans skipper. Parker picked up 33 disposals at 90% efficiency and taking 13 marks.

Luke Davies- Uniacke picked up 31 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven inside 50s, seven score involvements and took 11 marks to be one of the best players on the ground.

Harry Sheezel has consistently accumulated the ball this season, but was able to use his outside polish to influence the game against Essendon, with 33 disposals, 25 uncontested possessions, 11 marks and using the ball at 87% efficiency.

Jake Waterman’s presence up forward was a major reason the Eagles secured their second win in a row, kicking four goals and being involved in an equal team high- 10 scores from his 13 disposals.

Harley Reid may not be having the high volume of disposals and contested possessions as other midfielders in the competition, but his impact has been as influential as any in the last fortnight. The former number one pick had 21 disposals and six clearances but most importantly had nine score involvements and two goals.

In a two-point loss, three-time Best and Fairest- Zak Butters was the Power’s best and arguably the best midfielder on the ground with a game high- 30 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven inside 50s and 11 score involvements.

Kysaiah Pickett proved he is worth every cent the Demons are paying him, with his final quarter performance being instrumental in on of the clubs greatest ever comebacks. Pickett had 12 disposals, five score involvements, four inside 50s and a goal to drag them over the line, finishing with 33 disposals, 11 contested, 10 inside 50s and 10 score involvements.

Eight-time All-Australian – Max Gawn- was another one of the heroes in his 250^th career game, getting involved all around the ground with 23 disposals, 13 contested, six clearances and an incredible 58 hitouts.

Tom Sparrow had one of the best games he’s ever played with a career high- 29 disposals, 13 contested possessions and nine clearances as well as a goal for the Premiership Demon.

Round 2 Brownlow Votes and Article

Hawthorn co-captain – Jai Newcombe stepped up in the midfield with a game high- 31 disposals and nine clearances to go with his 12 contested possessions and a goal, bringing his elite 2025 finals series form to this season.

Dylan Moore responded well after a slow start to the season with three important goals from 22 disposals, as well as five inside 50s and seven score involvements.

After Charlie Curnow looked hot early in the match with two goals in the opening term, Tom Barrass was sent to shut the two-time Coleman Medallist down with great success. Barrass finished with 15 disposals, 6 marks and an equal game high- 11 intercept possessions.

The Swans best in a depleted midfield was Chad Warner, who kept the Swans in the game with his 27 disposals, 11 contested possessions, six clearances, 513 meters gained and a goal on the run.

Joel Freijah sparked the Bulldogs early with two goals and 12 disposals in the opening term, finishing the game with 24 touches, 3 goals and a game high- 12 score involvements.

Marcus Bontempelli’s scintillating start to the season has shot him up to equal-first in the Brownlow Predictor. The two-time Brownlow Medal runner-up had a game high- 30 disposals and 14 contested possessions, to go with 7 clearances, 6 inside 50s and a goal.

With an enhanced reputation after last season, Ed Richards should attract more umpire attention and poll more votes than 2025. The reigning Best and Fairest had 29 disposals, 12 contested possessions, a game high- 8 inside 50s and 571 meters gained.

Ben King’s accuracy in front of goal has been an important factor in the Sun’s early season form, with the full-forward kicking seven goals straight from 11 disposals.

Touk Miller was Gold Coast’s best performed midfielder with a team high- 31 disposals and equal game high- 10 score involvements including a goal.

Bodhi Uwland played one of the best games of his short career, with 29 disposals, a game high- 10 intercept possessions and 16 marks to help control the game from the back half.

Jack Sinclair’s start to the season has been influential in his first season as a captain of the footy club, picking up a team high- 31 disposals and using the ball 90% efficiency and taking 9 marks in a winning side for the first time this year.

Lachie Ash continues to prove himself as a top-flight half-back in the competition, with 39 disposals and 774 meters gained- both game highs- as well as 8 intercept possessions and 9 score involvements in the narrow loss for the Giants.

Formerly a great Brownlow vote getter- Clayton Oliver is looking to recapture this form with 33 disposals, 15 contested possessions (game high), 13 score involvements (game high) and a goal.

Andrew Brayshaw rebounded really well after a disappointing opening game, getting off the chain with all opposition attention being on Caleb Serong. Brayshaw finished with a game high- 39 disposals and 10 score involvements including a goal.

Shai Bolton was effective in the midfield and in attack with 32 disposals, an equal game high- 15 contested possessions, 9 clearances, a game high- 638 meters gained and 10 inside 50s to go with 2 goals.

Josh Treacy was a force up in the forward line with 17 disposals, 10 marks, 12 contested, 10 score involvements and most importantly kicking 4 goals.

Zak Butters was allowed to do as he please against the Bombers midfield, collecting 36 disposals, 9 inside 50s, 13 score involvements and 771 meters gained- all being game highs- as well as 7 clearances.

Jason Horne- Francis had a huge impact with his all-round performance, kicking 3 goals from 26 disposals, with 12 of these disposals leading to scores.

An important part of the Port Adelaide backline, Aliir Aliir was marking everything, with a game high- 19 grabs to make up his 21 disposals- using the ball at an elite 95% efficiency.

Harley Reid looks destined for a breakout season, with his output in the Eagles midfield being instrumental for their upset victory against a Kangaroos side coming off a win. The former number one draft pick collected a team high- 30 disposals as well as 11 contested possessions.

Nick Larkey couldn’t have done much more as the focal point of attack, with the Kangaroos co-captain having an equal game high- 8 score involvements including 6 goals of his own.

Rising star- Harry Sheezel was the Kangaroos best around the ground with a game high- 40 disposals, 612 meters gained and 8 clearances to go with his 14 contested possessions.

Round 1 – Brownlow Votes and Article

The Blues midfield were much stronger than their opening round efforts against the Swans, having the three most prolific ball winners and receiving predicted votes. Skipper and two-time Brownlow Medallist Patrick Cripps was the leading contested possession and clearance player with 19 and 9 respectively from his 32 disposals.

Jagga Smith proved once again why he is the short-priced favourite for the Rising Star, having an equal game high- 32 disposals and 11 score involvements in his second game of football.

Sam Walsh was effective with 30 disposals, 6 clearances and 480 meters gained in the Blues first win of the season.

Experienced Tiger- Jayden Short was the most influential player for his side, winning 29 disposals, taking 10 marks and making a game high- 753 meters as well as kicking a goal.

The Hawks responded in a big way back at the MCG, with a 62-point win to get their season back on track. The Hawthorn forward line had a big impact on the match, with three-time Premiership player- Jack Gunton kicking 5 goals and taking 8 marks for the match.

Nick Watson continues to improve year on year, kicking 4 goals from 17 disposals and being involved in 11 scores.

Connor MacDonald has taken on increased responsibilities and picking up 24 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 12 score involvements and kicked 2 goals.

Marcus Bontempelli continues to prove himself as one of the very best players in the competition, despite falling short of a Brownlow Medal on multiple occasions. The Bont was at his scintillating best with 33 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 11 inside 50s (all game highs) to go with 3 brilliant goals.

Aaron Naughton was the focal point up forward, kicking 6 goals and taking 11 marks, with 10 of his 15 disposals leading to scores.

Tom Liberatore was important at the coal-face with 29 disposals, 6 clearances, 1 goal and a game high- 12 score involvements.

Geelong revived their season after falling flat in their opening game and conceding eight goals in the first term this week. Max Holmes and Bailey Smith were back to their 2025 form that helped the Cats get to a Grand Final.

Holmes was the most prolific player on the ground with 32 disposals, also having 11 contested, 8 tackles, 7 inside 50s and 10 score involvements. Meanwhile, Smith had 31 disposals, 7 marks, a game high- 673 meters gained and kicked a goal.

Shannon Neale kicked an equal career high- 5 goals against a usually strong Fremantle defence.

Fremantle weapon- Luke Jackson- proved he will be a handful this season with a new role roaming the midfield as well as the ruck, collecting 27 disposals, a game high- 18 contested possessions and 10 clearances, as well as 22 hitouts and a goal.

Joel Amartey was the main man in the Swans attack despite boasting a two-time Coleman Medallist in the same forward line. Amartey booted 5 goals and took 8 marks for the match.

Errol Gulden was one of the most impactful players on the ground in limited game time due to injury. In just 65% of game time, Gulden had 20 disposals at 85% efficiency, 7 score involvements, 8 tackles and a goal.

Sydney full-back Tom McCartin had a career best- 27 disposals which was the second most of any Swan on the ground. McCartin used the ball at 85% efficiency and had an equal game high- 10 intercept possessions.

Nick Daicos has started the season on fire with predicted votes in the opening two matches. He was the Magpies best performer in a two-goal loss with 33 disposals, 10 inside 50s, 790 meters gained and kicking 2 goals.

Wayne Milera was eye-catching with a game high- 34 disposals and using the ball at 94% efficiency, making 673 meters gained and being involved in 8 scores.

All-Australian forward- Riley Thilthorpe picked up 15 disposals, 6 inside 50s, took 7 marks and kicked 3 goals. Whist Alex Neale- Bullen continues to be a handy pick up over the last 12 months with 26 disposals, 6 inside 50s, a game high- 12 score involvements and kicking a goal.

Dylan Stephens had arguably the best game of his career in what could be a breakout season, leading all players for meters gained (536) and score involvements (9) as well as kicking a classy goal from his 29 disposals.

Harry Sheezel was the most prolific player on the ground with 31 disposals, taking 8 marks and having 8 score involvements in the Kangaroos rare win.

Former Swan- Luke Parker was important through the midfield with 24 disposals and using the ball at 100% efficiency as well as taking 8 marks and kicking a goal.

This generations greatest ruckman- Max Gawn- has proved that he is still the benchmark in the competition. The Melbourne captain dragged his side over the line with 22 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 8 score involvements, 36 hitouts and a goal as arguably the best player on the ground.

We may have witnessed a coming-of-age game for Jacob Van Rooyen, who after an ordinary 2025 season, came out of the blocks in 2026 with six goals.

Max Hall was one of the best performed St Kilda players with 26 disposals, 6 clearances, 8 inside 50s, 13 score involvements and kicking 4 goals in a tightly contested loss.

Christian Petracca couldn’t have asked for a better start to his season in Suns colours, backing up his 3-vote performance in Opening Round with 23 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 8 inside 50s, 14 score involvements, 537 meters gained and 4 goals in what should be another 3 votes!

Noah Anderson was the most prolific player on the ground with 34 disposals, having 12 contested, 11 score involvements and kicking a goal of his own.

Jarrod Witts made an impact in the ruck with 20 disposals, a game high- 16 contested possessions, 7 clearances and 51 hitouts as well as a goal.

The Swans took a half of footy to kick into gear and play their traditional style of game, led by elite runners- Justin McInerney and Errol Gulden. McInerney played a career best game with a team high- 31 disposals, game high- 14 score involvements to go with 461 meters gained, 6 inside 50s and 3 goals!

Errol Gulden proved himself as one of the game’s best players, finishing with 27 disposals, 11 tackles, 8 inside 50s, 10 score involvements and picking up 12 possessions in the crucial third term when the Swans were able to establish a massive lead.

Brodie Grundy’s work in the ruck made an impact with 16 disposals, 46 hitouts, 7 score involvements and 1 goal.

Christian Petracca couldn’t have scripted his Suns debut any better, with a clear best on ground performance and proving his best footy is still ahead of him. The four-time All- Australian led the Suns with 34 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 6 clearances, 10 inside 50s, 678 meters gained and most importantly kicking 3 goals and using the ball at 82% efficiency. Already pushed himself into the top handful of Brownlow favourites.

Touk Miller played an important role in the Suns 56-point victory with 30 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 6 tackles and kicking a goal.

Dynamic forward Bailey Humphrey had a major impact on the result of the game, with three first quarter goals from six disposals to set up a strong lead that the Cats couldn’t come back from. Humphrey finished with 4 goals from 15 disposals.

GWS walked away with the four points despite the injury woes and coming into the game as underdogs, largely thanks to Jake Stringer’s impact forward of centre. The Hawks didn’t have a matchup for the All-Australian as he kicked five goals from 14 disposals and was involved in a game high- 11 scores.

The Giants midfield dominated the Will Day-less Hawks, with Clayton Oliver proving his worth as a handy pick up during the off season. Oliver was the leading contested possession and clearance player on the ground with 19 and 10 respectively, also finishing with 26 disposals and kicking a goal.

Finn Callaghan picked up where he left off last season with 26 disposals, – the equal second most on the ground- 9 inside 50s and 735 meters gained- both the most on the ground.

In what could eventually be the best game of whole 2026 season, the Lions and Bulldogs are sharing the votes in a tightly contested battle.

Ed Richards walked away with best on ground honours, with the Bulldogs Best and Fairest picking up 30 disposals, 10 inside 50s, 7 clearances, 726 meters gained and 16 score involvements including 2 goals of his own in the winning side.

Lachie Neale continues to be the dominant midfielder in a stacked Lions lineup, collecting a game high- 39 disposals, 15 contested possessions and 8 clearances.

Marcus Bontempelli may not have been the midfield maestro he usually is, but made a heavy impact in the forward half with 3 goals, 8 score involvements and 422 meters gained from 19 disposals and always attracts umpire attention.

After saving his best game for last year’s Grand Final, Charlie Cameron started 2026 with a bang- kicking four goals from 15 disposals and taking 7 marks.

Nick Daicos was allowed to run around unopposed, picking up a game high- 41 disposals, 844 meters gained and 11 score involvements as the most likely to be best on ground. Is correctly rated as the Brownlow Medal favourite after finishing third, second and second in the last three seasons.

Josh Daicos was given plenty of space as well and made the most of his opportunities with 36 disposals at 80% efficiency, taking 13 marks and being involved in 8 scores.

Newly appointed Saints co-captain- Jack Sinclair was their best player on the ground in a 12-point loss, collecting 35 disposals at 94% efficiency, having 7 intercept possessions and making 560 meters in a composed performance.