Best chance: Jack Graham
A second-year midfielder with a premiership medallion already in his top drawer, Graham is rightly among the leading contenders for this year's award. After missing the first 12 weeks of the 2017 season with an ankle injury, Graham forced his way into the senior team for the final five matches – including all three finals – and was outstanding in the premiership decider, earning a Norm Smith Medal vote. With a hardened body, he is already equipped to spend significant time in the midfield and should put a full season together at the top level if he avoids injury.
Other contenders: Shai Bolton (six games), Jack Higgins (yet to debut), Tyson Stengle (two games), Patrick Naish (yet to debut)
Past winners: Brett Deledio (2005)
