For the 2023 season, the Edge of the Crowd writers keep tabs on the best performances in every AFL match to predict who will win the Brownlow medal; Round Nineteen was no different.

Essendon 49 def by Western Bulldogs 90

3. Marcus Bontempelli

2. Tom Liberatore

1. Darcy Parish

The Dogs continue their push to the final, while Essendon's finals ambitions were all but finished on the weekend. Bontempelli was the clear best on ground with two goals, 29 touches, four clearances and almost 650 metres gained.

His little mate in the middle got plenty of ball with 36 touches; 12 clearances certainly didn't hurt his case. The Essendon vote goes to Darcy Parish, who had 24 touches and nine clearances while laying seven tackles.

Richmond 96 d Hawthorn 95

3. Tim Taranto

2. James Worpel

1. Jack Graham

The Tigers only just managed to get over the top of a well-drilled Hawthorn side who seem to be on the rise. Tim Taranto continues to argue his case for the Brownlow after having 23 touches, kicking three goals and laying eight tackles.

Worpel was Hawthrons best after having 27 touches of his own, kicking a goal and having nine clearances. The final vote goes to Jack Graham, who laid eight tackles, had six clearances and kicked a goal.

Carlton 140 d West Coast 69

3. Charlie Curnow

2. George Hewett

1. Andrew Gaff

The Blues were very impressive in a big-time win over the bottom of the ladder West Coast. Curnow was simply the best, kicking ten goals, three from the forward line while having 20 disposals.

Hewett continues to fly under the radar and had 31 touches, laid a couple of tackles and had ten clearances. The final vote goes to the West Coast veteran who kicked a goal and had 30 touches.

Brisbane 64 d Geelong 53

3. Josh Dunkley

2. Callum Ah Chee

1. Joe Daniher

Another tight contest on the weekend saw the Lions get over the top of the contenders that are Geelong. Josh Dunkley picks up three votes in a 27 possession, seven clearance and eight tackle game.

While Ah Chee had 23 touches, kicked a goal and took nine marks. The final vote also goes to Brisbane, with Joe Daniuher's two goals undoubtedly worth a vote.

Fremantle 76 def by Sydney 105

3. Luke Parker

2. Caleb Serong

1. Tom Papley

Fremantle failed to defend their home ground in a significant win for a rebuilding Swans squad. Luke Parker picked up three votes in a great effort, gaining 31 touches, nine tackles, and eight clearances for more than 300 metres.

Caleb Serong is again in the votes in a losing side after having 31 touches with ten clearances. The final vote goes back to Sydney, with Papley kicking two goals and laying three marks in an excellent match for one vote.

Port Adelaide 83 def by Collingwood 85

3. Taylor Adams

2. Jamie Elliot

1. Connor Rozee

The most important match of the round saw the ladder leaders extend their lead up the top while Port Adelaide have questions to answer. Taylor Adams was excellent in the tight moments; he had 25 touches, had nine clearances and kicked an important goal.

Jamie Elliot was everywhere early and kicked an important group of three goals to clinch the match. Rozee, of course, picks up one vote after having 28 touches and kicking a couple of goals.

GWS 103 d Gold Coast 63

3. Stephen Coniglio

2. Sam Flanders

1. Josh Kelly

The two newest sides in the completion went to battle over the weekend, and the baby brother got the win. Coniglio is again in the votes, having had 29 touches and getting five clearances while setting up a couple of goals to go with the one he kicked.

Sam Flanders was all over GWS with his 31 touches and nine clearances while also setting up a couple of goals. The final vote goes to Josh Kelly who had 28 of his own while kicking a goal amongst almost gaining 400 metres.

Melbourne 97 d Adelaide 93

3. Max Gawn

2. Angus Brayshaw

1. Izak Rankine

Melbourne entrenched their spot in the top four with an important win at home against a solid Adelaide side. The big ruckman picked up three votes after dominating the ruck with 38 hit outs; he also kicked two goals and had three clearances.

Brayshaw gets a couple of votes with his 26 touches and eight clearances while gaining 434 metres. The only Crows player in the votes is Rankine, who kicked three goals with 20 disposals and 388 metres gained.

St Kilda 69 d North Melbourne 61

3. Jack Steele

2. Luke Davies-Uniacke

1. Brad Crouch

The Saints did just enough to clinch a spot in the top eight-against the Roos. Jack Steele was best on ground with 33 touches, seven clearances, a goal and an important assist.

Two votes go to the Roos veteran after having 33 touches and a massive 12 clearances through his hard work in the middle. Brad Crouch gets the final vote with 26 touches, six clearances, and a goal assist.

Leaderboard

1. Nick Daicos (32)

2. Jordan Dawson (25)

3. Christian Petracca (24)

3. Tim Taranto (24)

5. Marcus Bontempelli (20)

Before you move on, why not give our Facebook page a like here? Or follow our Twitter account to keep up with our work here.