Top six: Dwayne Russell ranks his Brownlow contenders

SEN’s Dwayne Russell has named his top six Brownlow contenders after Round 18 of the 2026 season.

Russell’s top six was based on who he thinks have been the most influential players in the competition this season, with hot favourite in Collingwood’s Nick Daicos unsurprisingly his top contender.

He also named Marcus Bontempelli as his top challenger, with the legendary Dog chasing his first ‘Charlie’ after finishing runners-up on two occasions already.

“I reckon if I was voting on the Brownlow this year, my top six players in the comp would be these guys,” Russell said on SEN Afternoons.

“I think Nick Daicos is number one, I think he's going to win the Brownlow, but that's not telling you anything.

“I think Marcus Bontempelli is number two. Poor old Bont, he’s finished second twice before, and he might be headed to another second the way he’s playing. He’s just a dream to watch.

“After Nick Daicos and Bontempelli, I have Isaac Heeney, Jordan Dawson, Luke Jackson and then Zak Butters, who is obviously out injured for probably the rest of the year.

“I think there's a bit of daylight between those six players and the rest of the players that have been running hot from time to time this year.”

Russell also named a group of players who he thinks could vote well, although he has them in just a class below that top rung in 2026.

“I don't think Bailey Smith, for example, is in that class, for that matter. I don't think he's quite there,” Russell said.

“There are a number of players that are like that in my mind.

“Clayton Oliver, despite how good he's been this year, I don’t think is at that level. I think they're all the next little rung down with Will Ashcroft, Harry Sheezel, Oliver, Lachie Neale, Bailey Smith and Finn Callaghan.”