Expect the votes to be shared around at the Eagles, with midfield stars Elliot Yeo, Luke Shuey and Dom Sheed expected to lead the way. Andrew Gaff has a history of polling well and it will be intriguing to see how umpires rated the prolific wingman's season.   

Best chance: Elliot Yeo
Yeo built into 2019 coming off pre-season toe surgery and when the sputtering Eagles needed a spark it was the dual reigning club champion who lifted. Yeo should poll between rounds seven to nine, and will really charge home from rounds 19-22. AFL.com.au expects he will receive 18 votes and finish equal 11th overall.

Three-vote certainty: Luke Shuey (v Hawthorn, round 15)
It was Nic Naitanui's comeback game and nobody was happier than Shuey, who thrived in the wet at the MCG. He ended with 39 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 11 clearances, 11 inside 50s, nine tackles and a goal – a similar stat line to his Norm Smith Medal performance.

One-vote wonder: Jack Petruccelle
On a dirty night against Port Adelaide in round five, speedster Petruccelle was the sole shining light. He booted a career-high five goals to earn a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.

2018 leading vote winner: Andrew Gaff (16 votes)

Previous winners: Chris Judd (2004), Ben Cousins (2005), Matt Priddis (2014)

Ineligible players: Lewis Jetta, Jeremy McGovern, Willie Rioli, Nathan Vardy