For Saints fans far and wide, there will be eyes on one player and one player only. That man is Jack Steele.

While the likes of Marcus Bontempelli, Clayton Oliver and Ollie Wines have been heavily circulated in the lead-up to the prestigious event, the 25-year-old Saint is just as much of a chance to clinch the league's most coveted individual honour following his second All-Australian season.

This year's Brownlow form guide lists the Saints most likely to poll from Rounds 1-23, side-by-side comparisons with the fan-voted Dare Iced Coffee Sainter of the Round weekly polls, as well as a handy Steele Tracker to keep you up to speed with his predicted votes.

In a nutshell...

Best chance:

The man we're all here for. After finishing equal-third in last year's night of nights, Jack Steele is firmly in the hunt to take home Charlie after another tremendous season.

The two-time Best & Fairest and All-Australian is predicted to poll in 13 games – with seven yielding maximum votes – to finish the count on a potentially award-winning total of 31.

Don't be alarmed if Steele doesn't feature early in the piece, however. He's only tipped to have six votes after the first 10 rounds, but is set to rocket up the leaderboard with votes in 11 of the next 12 games.

One-vote wonder:

Twelve Saints are predicted to have one-game cameos at this year's count, but the most surprising of the bunch could be Cooper Sharman. The mid-season rookie pick-up bagged four goals in the final game of the year against Fremantle, sitting only behind Jack Steele in terms of influence on the contest.

Drought-breakers:

Could tonight finally be the night for Jack Sinclair? After securing his first top-10 finish at the Trevor Barker Award this Friday just gone, the 2021 runner-up could break his 119-game Brownlow duck. A crisp display against Hawthorn in Round 7 is the game most likely to earn him the long-awaited vote, but with several other Saints including Bradley Hill and Hunter Clark performing well, the No. 35 may have to wait another year.

Defenders' track record on Brownlow night hasn't been great at the best of times, but Jimmy Webster might also stand a chance at snapping his voteless streak. A brilliant outing against Brisbane in Round 17, wherein he kept Charlie Cameron to five disposals and had 19 of his own, could very well get the nod.

Our predicted top-five:

31 votes –  Jack Steele
6 votes – Luke Dunstan
5 votes – Max King
4 votes – Bradley Hill
3 votes – Brad Crouch

2020 most votes: Jack Steele (20 votes)
Ineligible players: Dan McKenzie (suspended)

Round 1 v GWS

GWS 11.12 (78) def. by St Kilda 13.8 (86)

A clear-cut three votes to kick off Brownlow night. Tim Membrey was the hero of Round 1, thriving in less-than-ideal conditions for a key forward to finish with 21 disposals, seven inside-50s, seven marks and three goals. He also picked up a perfect 10 coaches’ votes for his clinical display in the wet. Jack Billings (30 disposals, one goal) and Jade Gresham (28) were strong through the middle, but Hunter Clark’s steadying 24 touches and four final-quarter clearances is a fair chance to earn him his first Brownlow vote. GWS’ Jacob Hopper (28 disposals, six clearances) is likely to come into play, while Matt Flynn’s 34 hit-outs on debut could be in line for recognition.

Round 2 v Melbourne

St Kilda 11.7 (73) def. by Melbourne 12.19 (91)

Despite Jack Steele’s sterling 25 disposals and three goals to almost will his side to victory, it will take some work for him to overcome the throng of first-rate Demons. Christian Salem was excellent off half-back with 30 disposals and six rebounds, while Brownlow contender Clayton Oliver led all-comers with 37 touches and 11 clearances. Those two are likely to battle it out for the three votes, but any one of Max Gawn (40 hit-outs), Christian Petracca (30 disposals), Steven May (22) or Tom McDonald (two goals) could follow right behind. Dougal Howard was the Saints’ leading ball-winner with 29 disposals and an additional nine rebound-50s and Jade Gresham had plenty of the footy (29 disposals, nine clearances, one goal), but it’s likely a bridge too far for them to sneak a vote.

Round 3 v Essendon

Essendon 22.11 (143) def. St Kilda 9.14 (68)

Jack Steele pinching the one vote might be a fraction optimistic for Round 3. The day well and truly belonged to Essendon, despite the Saints skipper starring in his 100^th game with 35 disposals – close to double the amount of possessions of any other Saint – and a goal. Jordan Ridley was superb in defence with 35 disposals and nine rebound-50s, but the three votes is likely to belong to Darcy Parish, who notched up a game-high 10 clearances to go with his 34 touches. Zach Merrett equalled his midfield counterpart for disposals while forwards Cale Hooker (five goals), Jake Stringer (four) and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (three) wreaked havoc on the scoreboard.

Round 4 v West Coast

St Kilda 15.12 (102) def. West Coast 13.4 (82)

He’s on the board! Jack Steele is a near-certainty to poll maximum votes for his game-winning heroics against West Coast, which came complete with 33 disposals, seven inside-50s and a goal to seal the deal. A flawless 10 coaches’ votes also came his way following the pressure-driven display. He might have some competition though from teammate Max King, whose five goals ignited the Saints’ stirring second-half revival.  Dan Butler brought the heat with three majors, but Brad Crouch’s 12 tackles and complementary 26 disposals – 10 of which came in the final quarter – are more likely to round out the votes. For the Eagles, Jake Petruccelle (four goals) and Nic Naitanui (36 hit-outs, seven clearances) are candidates, but St Kilda’s all-encompassing second half is sure to see an all-Saints line-up for Round 4.

Round 5 v Richmond

St Kilda 7.6 (48) def. by Richmond 20.14 (134)

Although the Saints are due to feature prominently in Round 4, the same can’t be said for Round 5. Hunter Clark’s career-best 33 disposals off half-back and a solid midfield effort from Jack Steele were two of the few highlights to come from the 86-point loss to Richmond. Big man Toby Nankervis was a clear best-on-ground for the Tigers through his dominant ruckwork (39 hit-outs, 22 disposals, six clearances), while Jack Riewoldt benefitted from the first use with a game-high five goals. Shai Bolton, Jack Graham, Shane Edwards, Tom Lynch, Marlion Pickett and 2017 Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin are just some of the contenders to add to their respective tallies.

Round 6 v Port Adelaide

Port Adelaide 14.9 (93) def. St Kilda 5.9 (39)

Much the same for Round 6, unfortunately. Seb Ross (31 disposals, eight tackles) serves as the only credible threat to Port Adelaide’s voting chances, which is likely to be headlined by Ollie Wines. The Brownlow contender finished his evening with a game-high 36 touches and eight clearances, soldiering on despite a bump from Dan McKenzie which saw the latter suspended. A 34-disposal outing from Karl Amon is likely to nab two votes, while captain Tom Jonas led the backline to superb effect. Darcy Byrne-Jones, Orazio Fantasia, Dan Houston and Travis Boak are also in the running.

Round 7 v Hawthorn

St Kilda 19.14 (128) def. Hawthorn 9.5 (59)

Could there be any doubt about this one? Zak Jones was the irrefutable standout at Marvel Stadium, collecting the Silk-Miller Memorial Medal in his 37-disposal, two-goal demolition job against Hawthorn. Where the remaining votes go are up for debate, but they’re almost a certainty to all go St Kilda’s way. Bradley Hill was lethal by foot to carve up his former side, while fellow half-back Jack Sinclair was in fine enough touch (26 disposals) to potentially poll his maiden Brownlow vote after seven seasons. Midfielders Brad Crouch and Seb Ross along with the returning Rowan Marshall (two goals from 15 touches) could also be in the mix, as too Jack Higgins who ended his day with four goals. Hunter Clark’s silky pair of goals and ancillary 26 disposals may sadly be overlooked, however. Twenty-seven disposals from Jack Steele is also likely to draw attention, but like Clark, he failed to poll a coaches’ vote in the ardent win. Hawthorn’s Silk-Miller Memorial medallist Tom Mitchell is a chance to sneak in one vote, but a 69-point margin in favour of the Saints should be enough to force him out.

Round 8 v Gold Coast

Gold Coast 7.12 (54) def. by St Kilda 8.15 (63)

Jack Steele and Jack Billings were near inseparable against the Suns. They had 53 touches between them, each kicked two goals – half of the Saints’ tally between them – and were crucial in driving their side to a hard-fought win on the road. While Billings’ outside work was vital, it might just be Steele who gets the nod for the three votes. Zak Jones could be unlucky to miss out after another 30-disposal display, however Touk Miller’s cleanliness in a generally untidy and skill-riddled game had him a cut above. David Swallow isn’t far out of the frame, same goes for Hunter Clark, Brad Crouch and Paddy Ryder.

Round 9 v Geelong

St Kilda 5.17 (47) def. by Geelong 10.8 (68)

Missed opportunities in front of goal was the story of Round 9, and it might just mean a few Saints miss out on Brownlow votes in turn. Brad Crouch (28 disposals, nine tackles), Seb Ross (26 disposals, five clearances) and Jack Steele (23 disposals, 11 tackles) headlined the midfield charge thanks to Paddy Ryder’s ruckwork, but Geelong’s Cameron Guthrie was the one to take centre stage. His faultless attack through the middle – affirmed by another 10 coaches’ votes – was the perfect foil to Mitch Duncan, who is firming towards clinching the two votes. Zach Tuohy’s drive out of defence, meanwhile, is likely to pinch the one vote off Crouch. Max King was a lofty presence with 10 marks but had just one major to show from multiple shots on goal, while the zippy Jack Sinclair was influential coming out of defence despite having just the 17 touches.

Round 10 v Western Bulldogs

Western Bulldogs 21.18 (144) def. St Kilda 5.3 (33)

Not much to see here from a St Kilda perspective. Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli will do his Brownlow Medal chances no harm after a dazzling four goals from 26 disposals, but he’ll have several teammates hot on his heels. All-Australian half-back Bailey Dale roamed forward to bag two goals on top of his 34 disposals, Tom Liberatore again led the on-ball brigade with eight clearances, while Aaron Naughton took to the skies to slot five goals. Jack Sinclair (28 disposals, nine rebound-50s) was a rare highlight as St Kilda’s defence was worked overtime at Marvel Stadium.

Round 11 v North Melbourne

St Kilda 12.16 (88) def. North Melbourne 10.8. (68)

It’s now that Jack Steele’s charge really begins to pick up steam. The three votes might prove elusive however given Luke Dunstan’s standout performance which yielded 26 disposals, a personal-best 13 tackles and seven clearances in what was his first senior game since Round 5. Dunstan also took to minimising the impact of Ben Cunnington, consequently shutting down the Roos’ midfield drive. Brad Crouch’s particularly eye-catching month of football kicked off here with 26 disposals, 10 tackles and a goal, but Paddy Ryder’s impact around the ground (34 hit-outs, six clearances) proved just as influential. Aaron Hall’s 33 disposals and 12 rebound-50s are a legitimate chance to get a look-in for the votes, but the Saints should have Round 11 covered.

Round 12 v Sydney

Sydney 13.14 (92) def. St Kilda 12.11 (83)

Quite difficult to split the votes between the Saints and Swans here. Sydney came away with the four points, but there were multiple standouts from both sides. Jack Steele is a lock to register votes following his dominant 31 disposals, 10 tackles and goal to boot, while Brad Crouch should also feature after collecting a season-high 38 touches. Jack Higgins was superb with 23 possessions and 12 marks but didn’t get the return from his seven shots on goal, while Tim Membrey delivered up both ends of the ground. For the Swans, Luke Parker dragged his side over the line through his gritty efforts, while Tom Hickey was exceptional in his ruck duel against Paddy Ryder. Dane Rampe and Jake Lloyd rarely have off days, and Round 12 was no exception. Any number of contenders means the votes could go any number of ways.

Round 13 v Adelaide

St Kilda 8.12 (60) def. by Adelaide 9.12 (66)

It’s a battle between Jack Steele and Rory Laird for the three votes. The Crows stalwart had 33 disposals (18 contested) and 10 clearances in what was ultimately a match-winning display, while Steele was just as immense with 34 touches of his own along with 12 tackles, 12 inside-50s and nine clearances. Both earned nine coaches’ votes. Adelaide coming away with the four points may sway the conversation in Laird’s favour, but Steele’s class was undeniable. It’s not often that a 36-disposal performance only earns one Brownlow vote, but Brad Crouch unluckily finds himself in this boat again. Tom Highmore is an outside chance to sneak into the votes after a breakout game in defence (22 disposals, 15 intercepts, 13 marks), while Paul Seedsman’s class along the wing (33 disposals) could also be in the running for praise.

Round 15 v Richmond

Richmond 2.10 (22) def. by St Kilda 9.8 (62)

No questions here for best-on-ground. Ian Stewart medallist Luke Dunstan was sublime against the reigning Premiers, helping himself to 32 disposals, 11 clearances and a goal as the Saints stunned the footy world with a 40-point win over Richmond. Jack Steele is on track to poll in his fourth consecutive game, while some defenders could at last come into calculations. Dougal Howard and Callum Wilkie had 18 marks, 13 intercepts and no goals conceded between them to hold the Tigers to their lowest score since 1961 and their smallest total at the MCG since 1927. Daniel McKenzie’s hard-running efforts and two-goal return could also be rewarded with his first ever Brownlow vote and Paddy Ryder spearheaded the Saints’ ascendancy in the clearances (42-23), however Mason Wood’s work between the arcs is likely to be overlooked. Tough to see any Tigers featuring in the votes for Round 15.

Round 16 v Collingwood

Collingwood 8.13 (61) def. by St Kilda 10.10 (70)

This one has Jack Steele’s name written all over it. Another seamless outing (36 disposals, 14 tackles, eight clearances) earned the co-captain another 10 coaches’ votes – his second of the season – as the Saints pulled clear following a final-quarter fright. Bradley Hill was like a magnet with 14 of his 30 touches coming in the opening term, but it was his use from the back half heading into attack and territory gained which stood out most. Paddy Ryder is again in the mix to round out the votes, but Jordan De Goey’s explosive power through the midfield almost willed the Pies to a come-from-behind victory.

Round 17 v Brisbane

Brisbane 8.15 (63) def. by St Kilda 14.11 (95) 

The skipper delivers once again. Another maximum-vote outing against the Lions is bound to have Jack Steele rocket up the leaderboard, right amongst the likes of Ollie Wines, Clayton Oliver and Marcus Bontempelli. If it were possible to earn more than 10 coaches’ votes, Steele certainly would have, finishing his night in Queensland with 32 possessions and two goals. It’s an even split for who follows behind. The returning Zak Jones (26 disposals) didn’t look out of place in his first game back from a quad rupture, while Luke Dunstan (29) again packed his punch through the middle. Could Jimmy Webster also break his Brownlow duck? After 113 games, the long-serving Saint is yet to poll a vote, but his shutdown role on Charlie Cameron could open the door. Tom Highmore’s highly composed outing against the Brisbane offensive is also likely to earn him votes. Up the other end, Max King bagged three goals in a pulsating second term, while last year’s Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale and plenty of the footy (31 disposals) at Metricon Stadium.

Round 18 v Port Adelaide

St Kilda 8.13 (61) def. by Port Adelaide 10.14 (74) 

It’s two of the Brownlow bulls going head-to-head in Round 18, but Ollie Wines’ dominant outing (36 disposals, 11 clearances) wins over that of Jack Steele. It will likely be Wines’ second three-vote game against the Saints, with the leading midfielder a clear standout earlier this year in Round 6. Mitch Georgiades was destructive up forward with four goals, while Karl Amon ran amok with 26 disposals, 10 tackles and two goals. Steele’s 37 should be enough to pip the Port utility, but Luke Dunstan (29 disposals), Brad Crouch (36) and Rowan Marshall (19 disposals, two goals) are set to go unrewarded.

Round 19 v West Coast

West Coast 14.10 (94) def. St Kilda 13.8 (86)

Cometh the moment, cometh the King. Despite West Coast coming away with the four points, Max King was the unheralded star of the show with six goals and eight contested marks to almost edge the Saints in front. Dan Butler (20 disposals, two goals), Zak Jones (32) and Bradley Hill (26) were all commendable, however the Eagles are likely to swoop in for the remaining votes. Dom Sheed’s two majors and 32 possessions proved damaging in the end result, while a blistering performance from Tim Kelly had him well on track for three votes before injury (and a timely intervention from King) struck. Round 19 is the only game post-bye to not have Jack Steele predicted for any votes.

Round 20 v Carlton

St Kilda 12.9 (81) def. by Carlton 18.4 (112) 

Not the Saints’ night. Sam Walsh is well-poised to pick up the three votes after combining with Coleman medallist Harry McKay for eight goals, all the while picking up 26 disposals himself. Jack Silvagni (25 disposals, nine tackles, one goal) was more than a handy influence but may have escaped the umpires’ gaze. It works well for Jack Steele, who could earn himself a very important vote heading into the tail-end of the evening. Thirty-six touches, 14 tackles and eight clearances rounded out the skipper’s night, which was by and large St Kilda’s best performance. Rowan Marshall was immense with 46 hit-outs and 22 disposals, but the 31-point deficit is likely to do him no favours.

Round 21 v Sydney

St Kilda 14.9 (93) def. Sydney 10.4 (64)

Talk about coming home with a wet sail. Jack Steele is bound to poll the maximum yet again after putting the Swans to the sword in yet another on-ball extravaganza. Steele’s 100^th game as a Saint was simply sensational, coming complete with 34 disposals (14 contested), seven score involvements and a goal. Jack Higgins is set to follow close behind after an electric four-goal display, while Dean Kent (three) and Tim Membrey (two) provided great touch inside the arc. Seb Ross and Jack Sinclair performed admirably alongside Rowan Marshall, but it’s the unflappable Callum Wilkie who is in pole position for the final vote of the round after keeping eight-time All-Australian Lance Franklin to five disposals and a goal. Luke Parker again looms as the Swan to slip into the voting line-up, but the Saints’ best performance of the year should have him just missing out.

Round 22 v Geelong

Geelong 13.7 (85) def. St Kilda 11.6 (71) 

Three votes may be out of reach given Patrick Dangerfield’s slick afternoon, but could Jack Steele’s 30-possession haul be enough to edge him into two votes? Steele is likely to be tailed closely by Cameron Guthrie (36 disposals) and Sam Menegola (35), with the former amassing 23 of his touches after half-time as the Cats motored away to a 41-30 lead in the clearances. Steele’s clearance work (nine) might just be enough to oust the combined three of Guthrie and Menegola, however the Cats duo were incredibly damaging on the outside and were crucial in putting their side into attack (12 inside-50s). Really is a flip of the coin situation. Brad Crouch (24 disposals, eight clearances, two goals) is the only other Saint likely to come into contention, while four goals from Jeremy Cameron is bound to enter the equation.

Round 23 v Fremantle

St Kilda 17.5 (107) def. Fremantle 6.13 (58)

It was far from his cleanest outing, but Jack Steele is just about a lock to close out the night with three votes. Steele had 36 touches in his final showing of 2021, leading the midfield to gain yet another 10 from the AFL Coaches’ Association. Mid-season recruit Cooper Sharman could swing in to collect his maiden Brownlow votes after jagging a career-best four goals, while any one of Rowan Marshall (21 disposals, two goals), Brad Crouch (28 disposals), Zak Jones (28) or Tasmanian Jimmy Webster (18) could poll the final one of the night. Hard to see any Dockers taking the limelight away from the Saints here.

Predicted final leaderboard

31 – Jack Steele
6 – Luke Dunstan
5 – Max King
4 – Bradley Hill
3 – Brad Crouch
3 – Zak Jones
3 – Tim Membrey
2 – Tom Highmore
2 – Hunter Clark
2 – Jack Higgins
2 – Cooper Sharman
1 – Jack Sinclair
1 – Jack Billings
1 – Dougal Howard
1 – Jimmy Webster
1 – Callum Wilkie
1 – Rowan Marshall
1 – Paddy Ryder