AFL Media’s Howard Kotton casts his eyes over Carlton’s Brownlow Medal hopes ahead of Monday night’s count at Crown Palladium:

Best chance: Patrick Cripps
The powerful midfielder played a key role in Carlton's victories against Fremantle (Round 5), Collingwood (Round 7) and the Brisbane Lions (Round 11). Cripps, who was unlucky not to make the 40-man All-Australian squad, was the leading clearance player in the AFL this season with 185 and led the Blues in contested possessions with 354. AFL.com.au's Brownlow predictor gives him 16 votes to be the leading Blue, three ahead of Bryce Gibbs.

Patrick Cripps is expected to poll strongly in the 2016 Brownlow Medal. (Photo: AFL Media)

Fast starter: Marc Murphy
Despite an interrupted lead-up, the Blues skipper started the premiership season well, starring in the opening round against Richmond and was a key contributor in his team's first win in Round 5 against the Dockers. AFL.com.au's Brownlow predictor gives him five votes from those matches.

One-vote wonder: Dale Thomas
The veteran struggled for form and fitness in the second half of the season, but he probably played his best game for Carlton in the Round 6 victory over Essendon, finishing with 31 disposals, seven tackles, six marks and a goal.

Total votes
The Blues will not be among the top teams in the Brownlow and are expected to poll only 54 votes, according to AFL.com.au's Brownlow predictor. They should provide the top vote-winner in their seven wins, and maybe one or two other games.