Sally Pearson will become the first three-time winner of the Don award if the world champion hurdler takes it out again.
Pearson's successful comeback means she is among seven nominees for the prestigious honour, awarded for the year's most inspiring performance by an Australian athlete.
She is among the favourites for the annual Sport Australia Hall of Fame gong after overcoming two years of injuries to win the 100m hurdles world title in London in August.
She previously won the award in 2013 and 2015, while pole vaulter and fellow Olympic champion Steve Hooker took it out in 2008-09.
They have been the only multiple winners since the Don was first awarded in 1998.
Boxer Jeff Horn has been nominated after upsetting the legendary Manny Pacquiao in July, along with NRL star Johnathan Thurston for his match-winning conversion to hand Queensland victory in State of Origin II.
World surfing champion Tyler Wright, AFLW best and fairest Erin Phillips and world swimming champion Emily Seebohm are also on the shortlist.
On a nomination list dominated by women, the Matildas are also in contention after beating Brazil 6-1 to win the Tournament of Nations last month.
The Don award, named after Sir Donald Bradman, was claimed by Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne last year.
The 2017 winner will be announced on October 12.
