Round 8 brought us a weekend full of heat — local rivalries, massive individual performances, and a few finals-shaping results
Here’s how the Brownlow votes might land after the weekend:
Essendon v North Melbourne
Zach Merrett put the Bombers on his back in the final term to drag them over the line.
With 35 disposals and a game-saving quarter, the skipper locked in the 3 votes.
| 3. Zach Merrett | 2. Tristian Xerri | 1. Archie Perkins |
St Kilda v Fremantle
Jack Macrae was back to his vintage best, racking up 38 disposals and 14 clearances in a dominant display.
A clear best-on-ground performance.
| 3. Jack Macrae | 2. Cooper Sharman | 1, Mitchito Owens |
Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide
Hard to split Ed Richards and Tim English, both were outstanding.
Richards had 30 touches and 2 goals, while English was everywhere with 27 disposals and 3 goals of his own in a complete ruck performance.
| 3. Ed Richards | 2. Tim English | 1. Marcus Bontempelli |
Adelaide v Carlton
Izak Rankine continued his electric 2025 form with 29 disposals and 2 goals, while Jordan Dawson matched him with 22 and 3 majors.
Both impactful across midfield and forward roles.
| 3. Izak Rankine | 2. Jordan Dawson | 1. Josh Rachele |
Collingwood v Geelong
Patrick Dangerfield continues to thrive in his new forward role.
He may have only had 13 touches, but his late goal was the match-winner in a high-stakes clash, securing him the top votes.
| 3. Patrick Dangerfield | 2. Bailey Smith | 1. Scott Pendlebury |
West Coast v Melbourne
Max Gawn was unstoppable — 35 disposals, 47 hit-outs and a goal in a commanding captain’s performance.
Christian Petracca wasn’t far behind with 29 and a goal in the absence of Oliver.
| 3. Max Gawn | 2. Christian Petracca | 1. Kade Chandler |
Sydney v GWS
The Battle of the Bridge was run by Sydney’s dynamic duo.
Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney were everywhere, driving the Swans forward and setting up the win with relentless pressure and polish.
| 3. Chad Warner | 2. Isaac Heeney | 1. Tom Green |
Hawthorn v Richmond
Massimo D’Ambrosio showed flashes of his 2024 form, collecting 30 disposals and kicking a goal in an impressive display off half-back.
| 3. Massimo D’Ambrosio | 2. Jai Newcombe | 1. Josh Battle |
Brisbane v Gold Coast
The Ashcroft brothers took centre stage in the QClash, but it was Will who stood tallest, winning the medal named after his father.
Both likely to poll, but Will edges ahead for the 3.
| 3. Will Ashcroft | 2. Hugh McCluggage | 1. Levi Ashcroft |
2025 AFL Brownlow Predictor Ladder:
| Player | Team | Votes |
| Bailey Smith | Geelong Cats | 12 |
| Lachie Neale | Brisbane Lions | 11 |
| Zach Merrett | Essendon | 11 |
| Izak Rankine | Adelaide Crows | 11 |
| Zak Butters | Port Adelaide | 10 |
| Jordan Dawson | Adelaide Crows | 10 |
| Jack Macrae | St Kilda | 10 |
| Nick Daicos | Collingwood | 9 |
| Caleb Serong | Fremantle | 9 |
| Connor Rozee | Port Adelaide | 9 |
| Andrew Brayshaw | Fremantle | 9 |
| Hugh McCluggage | Brisbane Lions | 9 |
| Chad Warner | Sydney Swans | 9 |
| Max Gawn | Melbourne | 9 |