The Western Bulldogs will crown its 2026 Charles Sutton Medallist this on Wednesday 30 September.

Take a look at the best contenders for the Club's most coveted crown.

Marcus Bontempelli 

Could the inspirational skipper draw level with Scott West’s club-record seven Charles Sutton Medals? That’s what’s on the line for the 30-year-old if he claims victory on Wednesday night, having sat level with Bulldogs legend Gary Dempsey on six since 2024.

Bontempelli claimed his eighth All Australian blazer in 2026, earning selection in the centre after averaging 26.3 disposals and 11.1 contested possessions at 73.4 per cent efficiency across 22 games, to go with 31 goals.

He also enjoyed a career-high Brownlow Medal count, polling 34 votes to finish third overall; the result moved him into outright third on the AFL’s all-time career votes list and extended his own record for the most three-vote games in Brownlow history. 

Ed Richards 

The reigning Charles Sutton Medallist arrives as a genuine threat to go back-to-back.

After snapping Bontempelli's stranglehold on the award with a maiden win in 2025, co-vice-captain Richards backed it up with another consistent campaign, finding his way into the All Australian Top 40.

He was the Bulldogs' next-best performer at this year's Brownlow count, polling 16 votes, comfortably the second-most of any Bulldog on the night. 

Aaron Naughton 

Co-vice-captain Aaron Naughton produced the best season of his career in 2026, finishing as the Club's leading goalkicker for a fourth time with 51 majors and earning State of Origin selection for Western Australia.

With Sam Darcy sidelined for most of the year, Naughton had to stand up in the front half, and his consistency in front of goal makes him a serious threat to break through for a maiden Charles Sutton Medal. 

Others in the mix 

Bailey Dale was in career-best form for much of 2026, averaging 27 touches and more than 500 metres gained a game before a fractured shoulder in round 18 threatened to end his year prematurely.

Ruckman Tim English battled through knee, hamstring and concussion setbacks to still play a crucial role whenever available.

> CLICK HERE to cast your vote ahead of Wednesday night's count!

Joel Freijah, Matthew Kennedy and Lachlan Bramble all polled Brownlow votes in 2026 and continue to develop into important contributors at Mission Whitten Oval.

Defender Buku Khamis played every game of the season and is poised to have his best finish in the Charles Sutton Medal too.