Round 2 of the 2025 AFL season served up some big individual performances, with a few names starting to build their Brownlow case.
Here’s how we saw the Brownlow votes falling this week:
Hawthorn v Carlton
Jai Newcombe led from the front, topping the Hawks in disposals, contested possessions, and clearances to guide them to an impressive win.
For Carlton, Patrick Cripps did everything he could to keep his side in it, also leading his team in the same three categories.
It was a classic Cripps performance, but not enough. Down back, Josh Battle was rock solid with a game-high nine intercept possessions.
| 3. Jai Newcombe | 2. Patrick Cripps | 1. Josh Battle |
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs
Nick Daicos was back to his damaging best, racking up 39 disposals and driving the Pies home in a tight one.
Tom Liberatore and Sam Darcy were the Dogs’ best, both fighting hard to keep them in the game and doing enough to snag the minor votes.
| 3. Nick Daicos | 2. Tom Liberatore | 1. Sam Darcy |
Adelaide v Essendon
Zach Merrett was simply outstanding, finishing with 36 disposals and four goals in a losing side—a performance that could still see him claim three votes.
For the Crows, Jordan Dawson was everywhere, steering his side to a comfortable win and likely picking up the two votes.
| 3. Zach Merrett | 2. Jordan Dawson | 1. Ben Keays |
Port Adelaide v Richmond
With Zak Butters sidelined, Connor Rozee took charge of the midfield, collecting 39 disposals and two goals while rotating forward.
He was the clear standout in a strong Power win.
| 3. Connor Rozee | 2. Jason Burgoyne | 1. Sam Powell-Pepper |
St Kilda v Geelong
The Saints’ big-name recruit looked right at home, leading the game in disposals, clearances, and contested possessions.
A statement performance that should comfortably earn him three votes.
| 3. Jack Macrae | 2. Rowan Marshall | 1. Jack Sinclair |
Brisbane v West Coast
The Lions took a while to get going but eventually pulled away from the Eagles.
Lachie Neale showed why he’s a dual Brownlow Medallist, racking up his first three-vote game of the year with a dominant second half.
| 3. Lachie Neale | 2. Tim Kelly | 1. Harris Andrews |
North Melbourne v Melbourne
Tristan Xerri delivered a breakout performance, dominating Max Gawn in the ruck.
His impact around the ground and in the middle was huge, locking him in for best on ground in a big North win.
| 3. Tristian Xerri | 2. Tom Powell | 1. Luke Davies-Uniake |
Fremantle v Sydney
The Swans toughed it out over in Perth, with Chad Warner and Angus Sheldrick leading the midfield battle.
Both had huge games and played crucial roles in Sydney’s hard-fought win, with the votes likely split between them.
| 3. Chad Warner | 2. James Jordan | 1. Josh Treacy |
2025 AFL Brownlow Predictor Ladder:
| PLAYER | TEAM | VOTES |
| Finn Callaghan | GWS Giants | 5 |
| Jordan Dawson | Adelaide Crows | 5 |
| Chad Warner | Sydney Swans | 5 |
| Connor Rozee | Port Adelaide Power | 4 |
| Jai Newcombe | Hawthorn Hawks | 4 |
| Patrick Cripps | Carlton Blues | 4 |