Scrub up everyone, it’s Brownlow night!

It’s that time of year once again where the tuxedos and gowns get dusted off, players and partners get dressed to the nines and sit back to hear Gillon McLachlan read out the votes for a total of 207 games.

So for those who don’t quite have the patience to sit through a three-and-a-half hour broadcast, want a recap of which Saints could poll well when, or didn’t manage to nab an invitation to the Brownlow, we’ve got you covered!

Take a look through this year’s Brownlow guide for everything you need to know about the AFL’s grandest night, and most importantly, where the men in red, white and black could feature.

In a nutshell...

Best chance:

Jack Sinclair is unsurprisingly in the box seat to be the Saints’ leading poller off the back of another sterling season which earned him his second All-Australian blazer.

If the pristine mullet flapping in the breeze wasn’t enough to catch the eye week on week, his extended periods through the midfield sure were; especially so by the men and women in green whose opinion matters most come Brownlow night. Sinclair averaged 29 disposals, five rebound-50s and 501 metres gained per game, finishing equal-ninth alongside All-Australian captain Toby Greene in the AFL coaches’ votes.   

Don’t be surprised though if teammate Rowan Marshall pinches a few votes off him, however. The big man’s campaign was sensational as he embraced the ruck reins solo, with his efforts in the ruck and bullocking clearance work consistently placing him among the Saints’ best.

Who’s going?

All-Australians Jack Sinclair and Callum Wilkie, skipper Jack Steele, engine room force Brad Crouch and the ever-smiling Rowan Marshall will all be in attendance for Brownlow night, with Ben Paton also joining the crew as Marshall’s plus-one.

Drought-breakers:

After 109 games on the trot, Callum Wilkie is yet to have his name called out by Gillon McLachlan on Brownlow evening. While it must be said modern-day defenders traditionally don’t poll well on the AFL’s night of nights, several of the All-Australian full-back’s matches had him comfortably ensconced as his side’s best player. It could come as early as Round 1, but either Round 5 or 8 against Collingwood and North Melbourne respectively could be the ones to keep an eye on.

Can the youth also crack in for their first Brownlow votes tonight? Mitch Owens’ name is sure to feature early in the count for his Rising Star performance against Gold Coast in Round 4, and could again further down the track for his match-winning four goals against West Coast at Optus Stadium in Round 16. Meanwhile, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is in the running to put his hand up for his maiden Brownlow votes, with his silky outing against the Swans in Round 13 his best chance.

Predicted top-five:

19 - Jack Sinclair
14 - Rowan Marshall 
5 - Brad Crouch
5 - Mitch Owens
5 - Callum Wilkie

2022 most votes: Jack Steele (13 votes)
Ineligible players: Anthony Caminiti (suspended)

Round 1 v Fremantle

St Kilda 10.7 (67) def. Fremantle 7.10 (52)

Who said backmen can’t snag votes on Brownlow night? It was unsurprisingly a defenders' day out in Ross Lyon's first game back at the helm, with Callum Wilkie leading the way to restrict Fremantle to just seven goals for the game. Up the other end for the Dockers, Luke Ryan and Brennan Cox were near flawless, racking up a combined 67 touches, 33 marks and 15 rebound-50s to keep the Saints at bay until the final-quarter blitz. Jack Sinclair and Jack Steele are a chance to oust the backline trio after commendable performances, while Mason Wood is a sniff to crack in with 20 disposals and two goals signalling the start of his impressive season in red, white and black.

Predicted votes:

3 - Luke Ryan (FRE)
2 - Callum Wilkie (STK)
1 - Brennan Cox (FRE)

Round 2 v Western Bulldogs

Western Bulldogs 5.11 (41) def. by St Kilda 14.8 (92)

Jack Sinclair is sure to get his first votes on the board come Round 2, constructing a brilliant 33-disposal outing which was captivating in every sense. Tim English may have gotten the nod for the All-Australian ruckman position over Rowan Marshall, but it was arguably the latter who won the chocolates this time around. Both rucks were impressive, but very rarely to two squeeze into the 3, 2, 1 system. Jack Steele was superb to finish with 29 disposals despite carrying a broken collarbone, pipping Brownlow contender Marcus Bontempelli for the final vote. Around the grounds,  Brad Crouch toiled hard and Mattaes Phillipou was lively with three goals, yet it's likely the skipper who trumps all.

Predicted votes:

3 - Jack Sinclair (STK)
2 - Rowan Marshall (STK)
1 - Jack Steele (STK)

Round 3 v Essendon

St Kilda 14.8 (92) def. Essendon 11.8 (74)

It's an all-Saints line-up for Round 3 as the red, white and black took home the four points in its 150th Anniversary Game at the MCG. Mason Wood is just about a lock to poll maximum votes for his powerhouse outing in all areas of the ground, with it being his first three-vote game in his career. Either one of Jack Higgins' or Dan Butler's four snags is sure to be rewarded in the count, while the under-the-radar Brad Crouch is one of a number of Saints who could crack in to round out the St Kilda trio. Essendon's Darcy Parish, Dylan Shiel, Nic Martin and Jye Caldwell could spoil the party, especially with the latter's two freak goals in the last term willing his side back into the contest, but an eventual win for the Saints should outshine the Bombers brigade. 

Predicted votes:

3 - Mason Wood (STK)
2 - Jack Higgins (STK)
1 - Brad Crouch (STK)

Round 4 v Gold Coast

St Kilda 17.11 (113) def. by Gold Coast 8.12 (60)

If not for the masterclass of Noah Anderson (38 disposals, 10 tackles, seven clearances), it would be Rising Star Mitch Owens who snares the three votes as the red, white and black dominated under the Marvel Stadium roof. The win falling the way of the Saints could swing the polling in favour of Owens, whose day ended with 27 touches, two goals and a Rising Star nomination to boot. It's a race for the one vote with multiple contenders. Brad Crouch would be stiff to dip out after accruing 34 possessions, Rowan Marshall (21 disposals, 24 hit-outs) had the better of Gold Coast's Ned Moyle (35 hit-outs, five disposals) around the ground, yet five goals from Jack Higgins will be hard to overlook.

Predicted votes:

3 - Noah Anderson (GC)
2 - Mitch Owens (STK)
1 - Jack Higgins (STK)

Round 5 v Collingwood

Collingwood 10.10 (70) def. St Kilda 9.10 (64)

Another day for the defenders. Nick Daicos' impeccable run is sure to be rewarded here, as was the sublime work in defence from Collingwood captain Darcy Moore. The Saints stormed home late to cut the margin to six points in the game's frantic final stages, but it's hard to see anyone outside of Callum Wilkie (24 disposals, 11 marks, 10 intercepts), Brad Crouch (33 disposals, nine clearances, two goals) or Rowan Marshall (32 hit-outs, 25 disposals) forcing their way into the votes form a Saints' perspective.

Predicted votes:

3 - Nick Daicos (COLL)
2 - Darcy Moore (COLL)
1 - Callum Wilkie (STK)

Round 6 v Carlton

Carlton 8.12 (60) def. by St Kilda 12.10 (82)

The Baggers had plenty of the ball - Adam Cerra, Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh and Blake Acres all had more than 30 touches - but the engine room injection of Jack Sinclair after half-time was the leading performance from Round 6. The No. 35 was rewarded a perfect 10 coaches' votes for his midfield mastery, which was bolstered by the superb tap-work of Rowan Marshall once again. Dan Butler bagged three to throw himself into the conversation, while Mitch Owens is also an outside chance to steal one vote for his powerful two-goal display up forward.

Predicted votes:

3 - Jack Sinclair (STK)
2 - Adam Cerra (CARL)
1 - Rowan Marshall (STK)

Round 7 v Port Adelaide

St Kilda 11.10 (76) def. by Port Adelaide 12.11 (83)

The scoreline may have been tight, but the evening belonged to Port Adelaide, who are sure to bag a sizeable portion - if not all - of the Round 7 votes. Jason Horne-Francis couldn't be missed through his domineering clearance work, while veteran Travis Boak wound back the clock in a composed performance which served as the perfect foil to his teammate's explosiveness. Rowan Marshall again will throw his had in the ring to pinch a vote after monstering the younger Brynn Teakle, while Jack Steele could also feature with 28 disposals and 11 tackles. As for Jack Sinclair, another move on-ball which yielded 33 disposals can't be ruled out.

Predicted votes:

3 - Jason Horne-Francis (PA)
2 - Travis Boak (PA)
1 - Rowan Marshall (STK)

Round 8 v North Melbourne

North Melbourne 4.10 (34) def. by St Kilda 8.16 (64)

Round 8 against the Roos won't go down as one of the most memorable games this season, but it might just for Callum Wilkie who is a sniff of securing three votes, and potentially the first Brownlow nominations of his career. Silky Wilkie was a cut above with 28 disposals, 12 intercepts and nine marks, while his opposition counterpart in Ben McKay was just as effective as both sides struggled to hit the scoreboard to meaningful effect. Jack Ziebell had plenty of the Sherrin with 36 touches and 18 marks, as did Harry Sheezel with 30, yet the silk of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is a fair chance to be be noticed more than that of North's own composed half-back. Liam Stocker is also in the hunt after a 25-disposal, 16-mark performance, while any number of Saints ranging from Mitch Owens, Bradley Hill or Ryan Byrnes could work their way into the voting line-up.

Predicted votes:

3 - Callum Wilkie (STK)
2 - Jack Ziebell (NM)
1 - Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (STK)

Round 9 v Adelaide

Adelaide 19.7 (121) def. St Kilda 10.9 (69)

If you need to duck out for a toilet break, now’s the round to do it. Outside of Rowan Marshall, it’s hard to see any Saints squeezing into the votes as the Crows banked a comprehensive win to sour Jack Sinclair’s 150th game celebrations. Brodie Smith was clinical with 32 possessions, Taylor Walker near-untouchable with five majors, while skipper Jordan Dawson packed a punch as the Saints struggled to land a blow of their own.

Predicted votes:

3 - Brodie Smith (ADE)
2 - Taylor Walker (ADE)
1 - Jordan Dawson (ADE)

Round 10 v GWS

GWS 12.8 (80) def. by St Kilda 13.14 (92)

It was the Jack Sinclair show as the red, yellow and black dug in to get the job done over the steadily building GWS. Sinclair was on fire with 37 disposals, 733 metres gained and two goals, one of which willed his side forward towards the emphatic win in the last stanza and couldn't be reigned in despite the Giants' best efforts. Rowan Marshall is again in the mix after an entertaining duel against Kieren Briggs, while the return of Max King with four goals is also in consideration. Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio were the stars of the GWS midfield entourage, yet Jack Steele made sure he had something to say about it with 25 touches and a crunching 11 tackles of his own.

Predicted votes:

3 - Jack Sinclair (STK)
2 - Rowan Marshall (STK)
1 - Max King (STK)

Round 11 v Hawthorn

St Kilda 12.6 (78) def. by Hawthorn 12.16 (88)

Missed the last rest break in Round 9? There’s another one here! The Hawks' blazing finish contrasted sharply with the Saints' disappointing close, with either Max King's four-goal haul or Brad Crouch's in-and-under 26 touches the only performances remotely close to earning Brownlow commendation. James Sicily will undoubtedly snare maximum votes for his game-changing 43 disposals and 16 marks off half-back, while Dylan Moore and Jai Newcombe romped around almost effortlessly to chart 31 touches apiece.

Predicted votes:

3 - James Sicily (HAW)
2 - Dylan Moore (HAW)
1 - Jai Newcombe (HAW)

Round 13 v Sydney

Sydney 9.12 (66) def. by St Kilda 12.8 (80)

Another leading performance from Jack Sinclair (32 disposals, seven clearances, 607 metres gained) is likely to have his name up in lights following the bye. Again, there could be some friendly competition from Rowan Marshall, whose career-best 50 hit-outs stood head and shoulders above the resistance offered by Sydney's engine room. Brad Crouch is incredibly unlucky not to earn more votes after an industrious 33-disposal blitz, as too Mitch Owens (21, two goals), yet the class of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (30 disposals, one goal) is likely to overshadow the midfield pair. For the Swans, Oli Florent (34 disposals) is the best chance to take a vote away from the Saints.

Predicted votes:

3 - Jack Sinclair (STK)
2 - Rowan Marshall (STK)
1 - Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (STK)

Round 14 v Richmond

Richmond 13.12 (90) def. St Kilda 11.4 (70)

The Tigers owned the celebrations Trent Cotchin's 300th, and it's only fitting they take all six votes after defeating the Saints at a rain-soaked MCG. The milestone man himself may just dip out on votes, but was prolific alongside Tim Taranto, Nick Vlastuin and Dustin Martin. Ex-Tiger Dan Butler was one of the Saints' best with three as Jack Sinclair fought hard for his 31 touches, but neither are a considerable chance of nabbing a vote away from a dominant Tiger trio. 

Predicted votes:

3 - Tim Taranto (RICH)
2 -  Nick Vlastuin (RICH)
1 - Dustin Martin (RICH)

Round 15 v Brisbane 

St Kilda 8.8 (56) def. by Brisbane 12.12 (84)

Much like the previous week, it's an all-Lions line-up for Spud's Game. Harris Andrews was near unstoppable as he repelled foray after foray as the lynchpin of Brisbane's defence, while Josh Dunkley and Lachie Neale were unsurprisingly prolific as Brisbane waltzed home in a comfortable 28-point win. Jack Sinclair led all-comers with 36 disposals and six clearances, but his resistance wasn't enough to quash the Lions' roar.

Predicted votes:

3 - Lachie Neale (BL)
2 - Harris Andrews (BL)
1 - Josh Dunkley (BL)

Round 16 v West Coast

West Coast 12.5 (77) def. by St Kilda 12.13 (85)

It was almost a game that was repressed from the memory, yet Mitch Owens' four goals saved the day in what was a difficult day in the west. Luke Shuey led the Eagles' charge superbly and is sure to make his way into the mix, while this time around it's impossible to ignore Brad Crouch, who finished with 26 disposals and a game-high 17 tackles. Jack Sinclair remains in the frame with another 30 touches to his name, as does Rowan Marshall. On the West Coast front, Shannon Hurn or Liam Duggan could nab a vote, yet the impact of the home side was considerable less after the main change.

Predicted votes:

3 - Mitch Owens (STK)
2 - Luke Shuey (WCE)
1 - Brad Crouch (STK)

Round 17 v Melbourne

St Kilda 8.10 (58) def. by Melbourne 12.7 (79)

The might of Melbourne was too much for the injury-addled St Kilda to overcome, with Seb Ross, Zaine Cordy and Max King all ruled out of the game in the first half. Christian Petracca's bullocking four goals and 20 disposals is sure to have caught the umpires' eye, while Steven May was impeccable down back to stifle the Saints' offensive while gathering 29 disposals of his own. Rowan Marshall (30 disposals, 15 hit-outs) was a force against the combined duo of Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy and was the highest rated player on the ground, while skipper Jack Steele dug the heels in for a hard-fought 31 disposals and 12 tackles. Again, don't put a line through Jack Sinclair. With another 33 touches to his name, it's impossible to rule him out for a sneaky vote to bolster his tally.

Predicted votes:

3 - Christian Petracca (MEL)
2 - Rowan Marshall (STK)
1 - Steven May (MEL)

Round 18 v Gold Coast

Gold Coast 11.11 (77) def. St Kilda 8.3 (51)

The Suns and their guns were out come Round 18, with the traveling Saints unable to get a handle on the contest for majority of the game. Noah Anderson is a near certainty to get his second three-vote game against St Kilda this season after earning another 10 coaches' votes, while any one of Rory Atkins, Sam Flanders, Touk Miller or Wil Powell could complete the Gold Coast cleansweep. As for the Saints, Cooper Sharman provided hope with three goals, while Marcus Windhager, Brad Crouch or Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera are outside chances.

Predicted votes:

3 - Noah Anderson (GC)
2 - Rory Atkins (GC)
1 - Sam Flanders (GC)

Round 19 v North Melbourne

St Kilda 9.15 (69) def. North Melbourne 9.7 (61)

Much like the Saints' earlier bout with the Roos in 2023, this was one that wasn't overly memorable until the final stages when a five-goal final term snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Spearheading the charge was Jack Steele, whose 33 disposals, seven clearances and vital goal to put his side in front in the final term were outstanding in every sense of the word. Jack Sinclair was terrific again with 29 possessions and helped spark the Saints significantly, while Rowan Marshall had a profound impact despite the hit-outs falling in favour of North. Luke Davies-Uniacke   

Predicted votes:

3 - Jack Steele (STK)
2 - Jack Sinclair (STK)
1 - Luke Davies-Uniacke (NM)

Round 20 v Hawthorn

Hawthorn 14.9 (93) def. by St Kilda 19.8 (122)

After weeks of narrow misses, Round 20 is at last Brad Crouch's time to shine. Crouch (32 disposals, 12 score involvements, three goals) was one of six Saints to poll coaches' votes, earning a perfect 10 for his efforts which is sure to translate into three Brownlow votes. There's a slew of Saints who could slip into the line-up, ranging from the lively Dan Butler (four goals), Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (33 disposals, one goal), Mason Wood (25 disposals) or Jack Sinclair (26), however Luke Breust's six-goal burst is sure to prevent an all St Kilda showing in Round 20.

Predicted votes:

3 - Brad Crouch (STK)
2 - Luke Breust (HAW)
1 - Dan Butler (STK)

Round 21 v Carlton

St Kilda 8.6 (54) def. by Carlton 10.13 (73)

A promising start for the Saints was quickly undone in Carlton's rampaging second half, and it's likely to show in the votes for Round 21. Mason Wood threw absolutely everything at the Blues to finish with a career-best 36 disposals and 773 metres gained to try and propel the Saints forward from the outside, but it wasn't enough to contend with the Baggers. It could be any number of Blues who headline the polling, with Zac Fisher, Blake Acres, Sam Docherty and Nic Newman just some of the names who could add to their respective tallies.

Predicted votes:

3 - Zac Fisher (CARL)
2 - Blake Acres (CARL)
1 - Mason Wood (STK)

Round 22 v Richmond

St Kilda 14.9 (93) def. Richmond 8.9 (57)

It's a genuine toss-up as to who will bank the three votes from St Kilda's dominant display against Richmond to further its push towards September. Max King's six goals undoubtedly played a major role in the eventual win, while Jack Sinclair was close to untouchable with a tantalising 33 touches, 639 metres gained and seven score involvements. Seb Ross was brilliant in his return from injury and could earn his first votes of the night, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera again full of class and Rowan Marshall absolutely electric with 23 disposals and 20 hit-outs. Tough to see any Tigers squeezing into the line-up here.

Predicted votes:

3 - Max King (STK)
2 - Jack Sinclair (STK)
1 - Rowan Marshall (STK)

Round 23 v Geelong

St Kilda 12.16 (88) def. Geelong 8.7 (55)

The battle between Jack Sinclair and Rowan Marshall is again on the cards for Round 23. It's a flip of the coin as to who earns maximum votes, but Sinclair's 38 touches may just oust the best efforts of the fan-favourite ruckman. There were no shortage of contributors as the Saints consolidated their place in finals: Bradley Hill was prolific along the wing, Jack Steele amazing on-ball and Callum Wilkie unflappable down back. Geelong's Tom Stewart is in the mix for a Round 23 Brownlow berth, but it will take some doing to knock past a trio of deserving Saints.

Predicted votes:

3 - Jack Sinclair (STK)
2 - Rowan Marshall (STK)
1 - Bradley Hill (STK)

Round 24 v Brisbane

Brisbane 9.18 (72) def. St Kilda 9.6 (60)

Rowan Marshall is close to the Saints' sole hope for a vote to close out the night. An inaccurate night in front of goal for the Lions is certain to dash any forward's ambitions of making their way into the votes, with that place reserved for the likes of Lachie Neale, Jarrod Berry or Dayne Zorko. 

Predicted votes:

3 - Lachie Neale (BL)
2 - Dayne Zorko (BL)
1 - Rowan Marshall (STK)

Predicted final leaderboard

19 - Jack Sinclair
14 - Rowan Marshall 
5 - Brad Crouch
5 - Mitch Owens
5 - Callum Wilkie
4 - Max King
4 - Mason Wood
4 - Jack Steele
3 - Jack Higgins
2 - Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
1 - Dan Butler
1 - Bradley Hill