Four days of footy over the ANZAC Round brought big crowds, upsets, and some standout individual performances.
Here’s how the Brownlow votes might land:
Melbourne v Richmond
Max Gawn delivered a vintage performance on ANZAC Eve, earning the Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes Medal.
His dominance around the ground made him a clear best-on-ground selection.
Collingwood v Essendon
Steele Sidebottom wound back the clock on ANZAC Day, collecting his second ANZAC Medal—nine years after his first.
Jamie Elliott lit up the MCG with five goals, helping seal the win.
Fremantle v Adelaide
Andrew Brayshaw was the inaugural winner of the Arthur Leggett Medal after a huge 37-disposal effort.
His influence through the middle was too much for the Crows to handle.
St Kilda v Brisbane
Lachie Neale continues to build his Brownlow case, with 31 disposals and 3 goals in a complete midfield performance.
A lock for 3 votes in a convincing Lions win.
Port Adelaide v North Melbourne
Zak Butters is in red-hot form, and Connor Rozee isn’t far behind.
The pair combined for 54 disposals in yet another strong Port victory and are driving the Power’s resurgence.
Western Bulldogs v GWS
James Harmes delivered his best game in Bulldogs colours, kicking a career-high 4 goals and collecting 22 touches.
A surprise packet and clear standout on the day.
Gold Coast v Sydney
Bailey Humphrey turned the game on its head for the Suns.
His 4 goals, 18 disposals and a game-high 13 contested possessions were crucial in the comeback win.
Carlton v Geelong
Harry McKay looked back to his best, clunking 12 marks and kicking 3 goals as the Blues overpowered the Cats.
A dominant forward display that should be rewarded with votes.
Hawthorn v West Coast
James Worpel controlled the contest at the coalface, leading in clearances and contested possessions.
Mabior Chol was lively with 3 goals, but some missed chances may see Worpel edge him for the 3.
Tip of the Round
Zak Butters is on an absolute tear — collecting 9 Brownlow votes in his last 3 games and showing no signs of slowing down.
After just four appearances this season, he’s already equal first in our tally for Port Adelaide’s most votes.
Coming off a 2024 campaign where he topped Port’s count by 10 votes and finished third overall in the Brownlow, Butters is firmly in the mix again in 2025.
Watch this space.
| Player | Team | Total |
| Lachie Neale | Brisbane Lions | 11 |
| Bailey Smith | Geelong Cats | 10 |
| Zak Butters | Port Adelaide | 10 |
| Nick Daicos | Collingwood | 9 |
| Caleb Serong | Fremantle | 9 |
| Connor Rozee | Port Adelaide | 9 |
| Andrew Brayshaw | Adelaide Crows | 9 |
| Zach Merrett | Essendon | 8 |
| Matt Rowell | Gold Coast SUNS | 8 |
| Izak Rankine | Adelaide Crows | 8 |
| Jordan Dawson | Adelaide Crows | 8 |