The game’s most prestigious individual honour, the Brownlow Medal, will be awarded to the league’s best and fairest player at the AFL’s night of nights on Monday.

After an gallant season that saw North Melbourne punch above its weight time and time again, North Media previews the 2018 Brownlow Medal count, which may see some Roos feature prominently.

Best chance

In a year jam-packed with personal milestones such as his 200th game, maiden All-Australian selection, the birth of his first child and so much more, an impressive vote tally would be fitting for Shaun Higgins.

The veteran midfielder proved to be one of the most impactful midfielders in the competition in 2018, displaying his ability to win the ball, elite disposal, and knack in-front of goal.

The 30-year-old played 20 games this season, missing Round 6 against Port Adelaide with concussion, and Round 20 against the Lions after undergoing a minor procedure on his right knee.

In those 20 games, Higgins averaged a career-high 27.4 disposals and kicked 14 goals, recording over 30-plus disposals on eight occasions.

He has recorded more than eight votes on just one occasion in his career (11 votes in 2009), but looks set to go far beyond his personal best on Monday night.

Dark horses

As well as Higgins, expect to see a pair of Bens feature prominently in the vote count on Monday, with Cunnington and Brown also having career-best seasons.

Ben Cunnington made a name for himself as one of the best contested midfielders in the competition, consistently putting his head over the ball and breaking tackles at will.

Playing all 22 games, Cunnington averaged a personal best 25.6 disposals, and recorded 30 or more touches in six matches.

He’s flown under the radar all year because of his no fuss approach, so don’t be surprised if Cunnington sneaks up the leaderboard under everybody’s noses on Monday.

As for Brown, after a red-hot start, the key forward fell agonisingly short of his maiden Coleman Medal, but the fact he played every game and kicked 61 goals for the year makes his season a successful one.

The 25-year-old underpinned North’s forwardline all season, remaining the one constant when the likes of Mason Wood, Jarrad Waite and Jack Ziebell came and went.

Often double-teamed, and sometimes triple-teamed, Brown not only kicked goals but put the team’s interest before his own, so like Cunnington, don’t be surprised if Big Ben’s name is heard of multiple occasions during the count.

The three-voters?

Round 2 - Ben Brown

After going goalless in Round 1 against the Suns, Ben Brown made up for lost time, kicking six goals in a 52-point win over St Kilda.

With the Roos and Saints locked at 2.10.22 at the main break, it was five second-half goals from the key forward that broke the game open.

Round 4 - Ben Brown

In North’s first game in Tasmania for the year, hometown hero Ben Brown made his presence felt, booting five majors in a comprehensive 86-point victory against Carlton.

Shaun Higgins may be awarded best on ground honours by the umpires for his 35 disposal and one goal performance, however Brown’s haul in addition to 17 disposals and eight marks should be enough.

Round 5 - Ben Cunnington

After his fellow star midfielder, Shaun Higgins, left the ground early due to a serious concussion, Ben Cunnington stood-up to the plate in Higgins’ absence.

Cunnington recorded his first 30-plus disposal game for the year that day, collecting 30 touches, 18 of which were contested, in an inspiring win for the Roos over the Hawks.

Round 8 - Ben Cunnington

Despite falling short of the Tigers by ten points, Ben Cunnington could still receive the three votes from the umpires.

The midfielder recorded 38 disposals, 32 of which were contested, setting a new AFL record.

Round 11 - Shaun Higgins

A career-high 38 disposals for Shaun Higgins in a 54-point win over Brisbane will no doubt be enough to receive maximum votes.

The 38 touches and goal from Higgins may be rivalled by Luke McDonald’s 34 disposals and two goals, but expect the classy midfielder to claim the three votes on this occasion.

Round 16 - Scott Thompson

31 disposals from a defender is often unheard of, but that’s exactly what Scott Thompson did in Round 16’s win over the Suns.

The 32-year-old also took nine marks that afternoon, which should be enough to be awarded best on ground honours.

Round 19 - Ben Cunnington

Ben Cunnington imposed himself on the competition, amassing 39 disposals and kicking a goal in North’s 40-point win over West Coast at Blundstone Arena.

As is often the case, the majority of those possessions were contested, this time it was an impressive 22.

Round 23 - Trent Dumont

Trent Dumont may be forced to wait until Round 23 for his first ever three-vote performance.

Dumont recorded 38 disposals in the 23-point win over St Kilda, and is unlikely to be rivalled.