The AFL's night of nights will look significantly different in 2020, but it certainly won't diminish the significance of this year's Brownlow Medal.
With Jack Steele firmly in the hunt for the League's highest individual honour following his best-and-fairest season, there's even more reason to tune in to the prestigious count on Sunday night.
This year's Brownlow form guide lists the Saints most likely to poll from Rounds 1-18, side-by-side comparisons with the fan-voted Dare Iced Coffee Sainter of the Round weekly polls and the players in red, white and black who could make a surprise bolt up the order.
So if you're not so keen on sitting through Sunday's hours-long broadcast, you'll be glued to your recliner counting each vote with earnest or you simply need a refresher to the year that was, we've got you covered.
In a nutshell...
Best chance:
An All-Australian, Trevor Barker Award-winning season has Jack Steele as not only a favourite to top the Saints' count, but as a frontrunner to possibly take home Charlie himself.
The 24-year-old is predicted to poll in seven games, including three with best-on-ground honours and maximum votes.
Our predictor has Steele finishing on 16 votes, but he's a fair chance to add to his tally across the night.
Surprise packet:
After his breakout season in 2019, ruckman Rowan Marshall could have a few votes swing his way.
Despite splitting his time between ruck and forward with the inclusion of Paddy Ryder in 2020, Marshall continued to be a reliable and often match-winning contributor throughout the year.
A dominant display against Hawthorn is sure to give the big man three votes, while a series of influential performances against Richmond, Carlton and Port Adelaide could bring him come close to cracking double figures by the end of the night.
One-vote wonder:
A maiden Brownlow vote is on the cards for the quick-footed Nicholas Hind, whose three goals and 16 disposals against Sydney in Round 9 is likely to have him in the books.
Our predicted top-five:
16 votes – Jack Steele
9 votes – Rowan Marshall
8 votes – Dan Butler
6 votes – Zak Jones
5 votes – Paddy Ryder
2019 most votes: Seb Ross (12 votes)
Ineligible players: Ben Long (suspension)
Round 1
North Melbourne 8.8 (56) def. St Kilda 7.12 (54)
Not the ideal start for the red, white and black after falling to North Melbourne moments before the season was officially shut down. Ben Cunnington is poised to poll his first and only votes in 2020 after injury curbed the veteran to three games, while Jared Polec should be close behind to register two votes. A slew of Saints midfielders – namely Seb Ross, Luke Dunstan, Zak Jones, Jack Billings or Dan Hannebery – could snare one vote, but Roos Jy Simpkin or Todd Goldstein are likely to trump all.
| Round 1 v North Melbourne | North Melbourne 8.8 (56) def. St Kilda 7.12 (54) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Ben Cunnington (NM) | N/A |
| 2 | Jared Polec (NM) | N/A |
| 1 | Todd Goldstein (NM) | N/A |
Round 2
St Kilda 14.4 (88) def. Western Bulldogs 7.7 (49)
Zak Jones’ 29 touches against the Western Bulldogs helped get the Saints on the board post-shutdown, and four months later, it's likely to get his side underway at Sunday’s Brownlow count. Jack Billings was classy up forward and through the midfield to end his day with three goals and 24 possessions, while it’s a toss-up between Dan Butler, Jade Gresham and Paddy Ryder to round out the dominant outing at Marvel Stadium. Bulldogs Bailey Smith and Josh Dunkley will be in the hunt, but it should be a one-sided affair when the votes are handed down.
| Round 2 v Western Bulldogs | St Kilda 14.4 (88) def. Western Bulldogs 7.7 (49) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Zak Jones | Zak Jones |
| 2 | Jack Billings | Jack Billings |
| 1 | Dan Butler | Dan Butler |
Round 3
Collingwood 12.9 (81) def. St Kilda 5.7 (37)
Black-and-white on multiple fronts for this one. Steele Sidebottom and Brodie Grundy will be battling it out for top billing off the back of their midfield ascendancy, while Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams, Jamie Elliott or Jack Crisp are likely to overpower Jake Carlisle (19 disposals, nine marks) for a place on the leaderboard.
| Round 3 v Collingwood | Collingwood 12.9 (81) def. St Kilda 5.7 (37) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Brodie Grundy (COLL) | Dan Butler |
| 2 | Steele Sidebottom* (COLL) | Jake Carlisle |
| 1 | Scott Pendlebury (COLL) | Ben Long* |
Round 4
St Kilda 15.3 (93) def. Richmond 10.7 (67)
Dan Butler is a certainty to secure maximum votes for his best-on-ground performance against his former side. The ex-Tiger booted three goals and was awarded the Ian Stewart Medal for his starring role which brought down the reigning Premiers. A trio of goals and seven telling marks from Tim Membrey were crucial in the win, while Rowan Marshall (25 hit-outs, 15 disposals, two goals) should edge out opposition counterpart Toby Nankervis for the one vote. Brownlow candidate Jack Steele could also pip Prospect for the one vote, leaving Dion Prestia and Shane Edwards as dangerous contenders to strip away an all St Kilda line-up for Round 4.
| Round 4 v Richmond | St Kilda 15.3 (93) def. Richmond 10.7 (67) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Dan Butler | Dan Butler |
| 2 | Tim Membrey | Tim Membrey |
| 1 | Rowan Marshall | Jack Steele |
Round 5
Carlton 8.7 (55) def. by St Kilda 11.7 (73)
Jarryn Geary thrived in his new role as a defensive forward, jagging two majors in the opening term while shutting down Carlton co-captain Sam Docherty. But it was a superb Jack Steele masterclass on Patrick Cripps – which yielded 23 disposals and nine tackles – that is likely to have caught the umpires’ eye. Rowan Marshall's (19 disposals, 22 hit-outs) strong finish and Nick Coffield's (20 disposals, nine marks) aerial prowess are strong chances to edge out their skipper in the count, with the latter due to receive his first Brownlow vote.
| Round 5 v Carlton | Carlton 8.7 (55) def. by St Kilda 11.7 (73) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Jack Steele | Jack Steele |
| 2 | Rowan Marshall | Rowan Marshall |
| 1 | Nick Coffield | Ben Long* |
Round 6
Fremantle 12.7 (79) def. St Kilda 11.7 (73)
If there's a round to get a drink or take a quick toilet break, this is the one to do it in. Michael Walters’ terrific display – bolstered by a match-winning final term – has him as a clear favourite for the three votes. Tim Membrey’s three-goal bag might see him sneak into the vote-getters, but he’ll be relying on a little bit of luck to oust contenders Nat Fyfe, Andrew Brayshaw or Rory Lobb, who took over ruck duties for a concussed Sean Darcy.
| Round 6 v Fremantle | Fremantle 12.7 (79) def. St Kilda 11.7 (73) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Michael Walters (FRE) | Tim Membrey |
| 2 | Nat Fyfe (FRE) | Jack Steele |
| 1 | Rory Lobb (FRE) | Callum Wilkie |
Round 7
Adelaide 8.7 (55) def. by St Kilda 12.6 (78)
Another perfect game from Jack Steele, complete with a career-best 13 clearances, has him in pole position for his second maximum-vote match of the year. The Trevor Barker Award winner is likely to be joined by podium finishers Dougal Howard and Dan Butler (three goals), who narrowly edge out Jade Gresham and his industrious clearance work.
| Round 7 v Adelaide | Adelaide 8.7 (55) def. by St Kilda 12.6 (78) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Jack Steele | Jack Steele |
| 2 | Dougal Howard | Dougal Howard |
| 1 | Dan Butler | Dan Butler |
Round 8
Port Adelaide 6.8 (44) def. by St Kilda 12.1 (73)
It’s anyone’s guess as to who got the umpires’ approval in one of the best home-and-away matches of the year. Paddy Ryder was superb against his old side alongside Rowan Marshall, with the duo registering a combined four goals, eight clearances, 25 disposals and 40 hit-outs. Hunter Clark (24 disposals, five rebound-50s) was all class alongside Dougal Howard – who kept Charlie Dixon to one goal – and midfielder Jack Steele, which could see the votes go either way. For the Power, Darcy-Byrne Jones looms as the player most likely to pinch a vote off the Saints.
| Round 8 v Port Adelaide | Port Adelaide 6.8 (44) def. by St Kilda 12.1 (73) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Paddy Ryder | Hunter Clark |
| 2 | Rowan Marshall | Paddy Ryder |
| 1 | Hunter Clark | Rowan Marshall |
Round 9
St Kilda 15.11 (101) def. Sydney 6.12 (48)
Nicholas Hind was so quick there’s a chance he could have been missed by the umpires altogether, but the Clunes recruit’s three electric goals are bound to have him in the books. Either Zak Jones or Jack Steele are set to add to their Brownlow runs, while Sydney co-captain Luke Parker is a probable chance to have Jade Gresham’s measure on the leaderboard. Ben Paton is likely to have escaped the umpires’ gaze after keeping then-Coleman leader Tom Papley to one goal, while Sydney’s Jake Lloyd is in the running to record a vote after a solid outing in defence.
| Round 9 v Sydney | St Kilda 15.11 (101) def. Sydney 6.12 (48) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Nicholas Hind | Nicholas Hind |
| 2 | Jack Steele | Jack Steele |
| 1 | Luke Parker (SYD) | Jade Gresham |
Round 10
Gold Coast 11.8 (74) def. by St Kilda 12.6 (78)
The Saints snuck home by the skin of their teeth against Gold Coast, with Dan Butler’s four goals ultimately proving to be the difference. Jack Steele’s fine run is a sure to build momentum after another excellent performance, this time with two goals to boot. A series of game-changing moments from Hunter Clark in the final minutes are certain to be acknowledged, but he will have to contend with a handful of dynamic Suns – including Izak Rankine and Touk Miller – to place.
| Round 10 v Gold Coast | Gold Coast 11.8 (74) def. by St Kilda 12.6 (78) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Dan Butler | Dan Butler |
| 2 | Jack Steele | Jack Steele |
| 1 | Hunter Clark | Hunter Clark |
Round 11
St Kilda 4.10 (34) def. by Geelong 14.9 (93)
The day belonged to the Cats, and so will the voting for Round 11. Tom Hawkins and Gary Rohan slotted a casual nine between them to affirm their high standing, while All-Australian nominee Sam Menegola was everywhere with a game-high 11 marks to complement his 26 disposals and two goals. Mitch Duncan, Patrick Dangerfield and Lachie Henderson are also shaping as legitimate contenders for the round.
| Round 11 v Geelong | St Kilda 4.10 (34) def. by Geelong 14.9 (93) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Tom Hawkins (GEEL) | Jack Steele |
| 2 | Sam Menegola (GEEL) | Jack Bytel |
| 1 | Gary Rohan (GEEL) | Ed Phillips |
Round 12
St Kilda 10.8 (68) def. Essendon 5.3 (33)
Zak Jones celebrated his 100th game in style against the Bombers, and is in line to receive a belated Brownlow gift as a result. Dylan Shiel (29 disposals) was best-on-ground for Essendon, but is certain be overshadowed by the impressive outings of either Paddy Ryder, Josh Battle, Nick Coffield or Jack Billings. Max King (three goals) started the match like a house on fire to secure the NAB Rising Star nomination for Round 12 and has a sniff of sneaking home a maiden Brownlow vote.
| Round 12 v Essendon | St Kilda 10.8 (68) def. Essendon 5.3 (33) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Zak Jones | Zak Jones |
| 2 | Josh Battle | Josh Battle |
| 1 | Nick Coffield | Paddy Ryder |
Round 13
Brisbane 6.14 (50) def. St Kilda 7.6 (48)
A late fightback almost clinched a miracle win in Sir Doug Nicholls Round, but errant kicking caused the Saints to fall on the wrong side of the ledger against the Lions. All-Australian Harris Andrews blanketed St Kilda’s forward line to cement himself as a frontrunner for maximum votes, while Jarrod Berry’s well-rounded display is more than deserving of recognition. Despite the loss, Jack Steele could slip into the top-three after putting the clamps on Brownlow favourite Lachie Neale while accruing 25 disposals, 10 tackles and a goal of his own.
| Round 13 v Brisbane | Brisbane 6.14 (50) def. St Kilda 7.6 (48) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Harris Andrews (BRIS) | Jack Steele |
| 2 | Jack Steele | Tim Membrey |
| 1 | Jarrod Berry (BRIS) | Zak Jones |
Round 14
Melbourne 8.4 (52) def. St Kilda 7.7 (49)
A reminder of the tough night in Alice Springs is more than likely to be reflected in the voting for Round 14. Brownlow contender Christian Petracca is set to receive a handy boost off the back of his four goals, but it could be Steven May who nabs the three votes for his exemplary display at full-back. Jack Steele looms once again to strengthen his hand in the Brownlow race, but a striking final term from Bradley Hill has him on equal footing to round out the voting. Max Gawn is also a fair shout to claim the one vote, with the star ruckman close to unhampered after returning from a knee injury.
| Round 14 v Melbourne | Melbourne 8.4 (52) def. St Kilda 7.7 (49) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Steven May (MELB) | Jack Steele |
| 2 | Christian Petracca (MELB) | Bradley Hill |
| 1 | Jack Steele | Rowan Marshall |
Round 16
St Kilda 11.14 (80) def. Hawthorn 9.12 (66)
With no Max King or Tim Membrey up forward, Rowan Marshall stood up to the plate to clinch the Silk-Miller Memorial Medal and put his side one step closer to October action. Seb Ross is a possibility to settle on the two votes for a standout midfield performance, while Jacks Steele, Lonie and Sinclair and increasingly important defender Nick Coffield join the list of one-vote contenders. Hawthorn’s Chad Wingard was a clear best for the brown and gold, with Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell also in the mix for his 27 touches and a goal.
| Round 16 v Hawthorn | St Kilda 11.14 (80) def. Hawthorn 9.12 (66) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Rowan Marshall | Rowan Marshall |
| 2 | Seb Ross | Nick Coffield |
| 1 | Chad Wingard (HAW) | Ben Long* |
Round 17
St Kilda 6.14 (50) def. by West Coast 9.11 (65)
Hard to see any Saints squeezing into the votes for Round 17. Andrew Gaff and Tim Kelly are certain to headline off the back of their supreme midfield efforts, while Nic Naitanui is likely to round out West Coast’s dominance after working his way on top of the ruck duel to pack a match-winning punch late. Hunter Clark (24 disposals, five clearances) will have a throng of excess Eagles in Tom Barrass, Liam Ryan and Jack Darling to contend with before thinking of sneaking in for the one vote.
| Round 17 v West Coast | St Kilda 6.14 (50) def. by West Coast 9.11 (65) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Tim Kelly (WCE) | Hunter Clark |
| 2 | Andrew Gaff (WCE) | Paddy Ryder |
| 1 | Nic Naitanui (WCE) | Jack Steele |
Round 18
St Kilda 12.10 (82) def. GWS 3.12 (30)
In contrast, it was all red, white and black to close out the year. Jack Steele ended his year on a bang with 18 disposals, 10 clearances and two goals against his old side, while ruck duo Paddy Ryder and Rowan Marshall were sublime in their tapwork and unexpected soccer skills. Josh Battle and Ben Paton’s shutdown roles on Nick Haynes and Toby Greene respectively could be rewarded, while Jack Lonie and Dan Butler were electric up forward at crucial times.
| Round 18 v GWS | St Kilda 12.10 (82) def. GWS 3.12 (30) | |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Brownlow votes: | Sainter of the Round fan votes: | |
| 3 | Jack Steele | Jack Steele |
| 2 | Paddy Ryder | Paddy Ryder |
| 1 | Rowan Marshall | Rowan Marshall |
Predicted St Kilda Leaderboard
16 votes – Jack Steele
9 votes – Rowan Marshall
8 votes – Dan Butler
6 votes – Zak Jones
5 votes – Paddy Ryder
3 votes – Nicholas Hind
2 votes – Josh Battle
2 votes – Jack Billings
2 votes – Hunter Clark
2 votes – Nick Coffield
2 votes – Tim Membrey
2 votes – Seb Ross
