Richmond midfielder Tim Taranto led the way for the yellow and black at the 2026 Brownlow Medal, polling 10 votes in Monday night's count.

Taranto wasted no time getting on the leaderboard, polling one vote in the Round 1 clash with Carlton. He recorded 29 disposals, seven clearances and seven score involvements in the Thursday night MCG affair, opening his 2026 account in style. 

The Tigers' prime midfielder added another vote for his efforts in Round 9 against Adelaide, when he had 28 disposals, 18 contested possessions and nine clearances. 

As Richmond celebrated victory in Dreamtime at the 'G, Taranto notched a further two votes with 30 disposals, 10 score involvements, eight clearances and seven tackles.

The Tigers took over Tasmania in Round 14 and Taranto added another vote for his efforts against the Brisbane Lions, which included 29 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 434 metres gained, six clearances and two goals.  

Taranto would follow it up with a one-vote game in the Round 16 battle against Collingwood, where he led the way with four goals and 26 disposals, showcasing the damage he can do up forward. 

Richmond's first three-vote game came in Round 21 and from none other than Taranto, who played a starring role in the victory over West Coast with 32 disposals, 11 clearances and nine score involvements.

Young star Sam Lalor also polled a vote in the Eagles victory, a day which will be remembered for his electric game-sealing goal in front of a roaring Punt Road end. 

Taranto's final vote of the night came in the Tigers' season finale in Geelong where he had a sensational 36 disposals, 10 clearances, nine score involvements and 24 contested possessions, the most on record by a Richmond player.

The Tigers' first win of the season over the Eagles in Perth saw stand-in captain Jack Ross and the versatile Noah Balta poll votes. 

Ross got two votes for his 29 disposals, 19 contested possessions and 11 clearances, while Balta, who was the highest ranked player in the AFL in Round 8 via Champion Data's Rating Points, booted three goals to go along with his 20 disposals, 20 hit-outs, 18 contested possessions and seven score involvements.

Ross would add another vote to his name in Round 22 for his 29 disposals and 493 metres gained against Adelaide. 

Richmond will crown the 2026 Jack Dyer Medallist next Tuesday night.

Richmond 2026 Brownlow Medal votes
Tim Taranto - 10 votes
Jack Ross - 3 votes
Noah Balta - 1 vote
Sam Lalor - 1 vote