Wallabies' captain Michael Hooper and tryscoring whiz Israel Folau are each a chance of becoming the first three-time John Eales Medallist.
Named after the former Australian captain and legendary lock, the medal is the most-prestigious individual prize in Australian rugby and goes to the outstanding Wallaby performer of the past year.
Four men have won the medal twice, with flanker Hooper (2013, 2016) and fullback Folau (2014-15) dominating in recent years.
The other two-time medaliists were flanker George Smith (2002, 2008) and lock Nathan Sharpe (2007, 2012).
Both Folau and Hooper have played 14 of the 15 Tests over the past year, with each rested last November against France in Paris. They look to be the leading lights for the 2017 medal presentation on Thursday night in Sydney.
Hooper has excelled in his first full season as captain, leading from the front with numerous all-round performances.
Folau has enjoyed a prolific 2017 campaign, after breaking an 11-Test try drought.
He bagged a double in all three June Tests and 12 in 10 matches, crossing in each of the three Bledisloe Cup clashes.
The only player to start all 15 games was five-eighth Bernard Foley.
He should poll votes along with halfback Will Genia, who enjoyed one of his best years in recent times.
Inside centre Kurtley Beale is sure to poll well after making a successful return to the Test arena, although he played only seven matches after missing the spring tour and the June internationals.
Hooper apart, fellow back-rower Sean McMahon and lock Adam Coleman were other consistently strong forward performers across the voting period.
Among other awards to be handed out will be Wallabies rookie of the year and gongs for women's, sevens, under 20s and Super Rugby.
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