AFL Brownlow Medal: Past Winners & History
The Brownlow Medal is the Australian Football League's (AFL) most prestigious individual award, presented annually to the "fairest and best" player in the league during the home-and-away season. Decided by votes from the umpires after each game, it's an honor steeped in history and tradition.
History of the Brownlow Medal
The Brownlow Medal was first awarded in 1924 and is named after Charles Brownlow, a former Geelong Football Club player and administrator. Brownlow played a significant role in the early development of Australian Rules Football. The medal quickly became the symbol of excellence and integrity in the sport.
How the Brownlow Medal Works
At the end of each home-and-away season match, the three field umpires independently award votes to the players they regard as the best on the ground: — Warren Lieberstein: All About The 'The Office' Writer
- 3 votes: Best player
- 2 votes: Second-best player
- 1 vote: Third-best player
These votes are tallied throughout the season, and the player with the highest total receives the Brownlow Medal. A player suspended by the AFL Tribunal during the season is ineligible, regardless of the number of votes they've received.
Notable Brownlow Medal Winners
Throughout the years, several players have distinguished themselves by winning multiple Brownlow Medals, solidifying their place in AFL history. Some notable multiple winners include: — Lost Mary Vape: Understanding The Side Effects
- Dick Reynolds (Essendon): 1934, 1937, 1938
- Bob Skilton (South Melbourne): 1959, 1963, 1968
- Ian Stewart (St Kilda/Richmond): 1966, 1971, 1972
- Haydn Bunton Sr. (Fitzroy): 1931, 1932, 1935
- Michael Voss (Brisbane): 1996
- Nathan Buckley (Collingwood): 2003
- Adam Goodes (Sydney): 2003
- Mark Coughlan (Richmond): 2003
- Gary Ablett Jr. (Geelong/Gold Coast): 2009, 2013
- Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong): 2016
These players not only won the prestigious award but also significantly contributed to their respective teams and the sport as a whole.
Recent Brownlow Medal Winners
Here are the Brownlow Medal winners from the last 10 years:
- 2014: Matt Priddis (West Coast Eagles)
- 2015: Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)
- 2016: Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
- 2017: Dustin Martin (Richmond)
- 2018: Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn)
- 2019: Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)
- 2020: Lachie Neale (Brisbane Lions)
- 2021: Ollie Wines (Port Adelaide)
- 2022: Patrick Cripps (Carlton)
- 2023: Lachie Neale (Brisbane Lions)
The Significance of Winning
Winning a Brownlow Medal brings immense recognition and respect. It's a testament to a player's skill, consistency, and impact on the game. The Brownlow Medal night is a celebrated event in the AFL calendar, eagerly anticipated by fans, players, and media alike. — J Balvin Net Worth: How Wealthy Is The Reggaeton Star?
The Brownlow Medal remains the pinnacle of individual achievement in the AFL, honoring those who exemplify the best qualities of the sport. Each year, the football community eagerly awaits the announcement of the latest winner, adding another chapter to the rich history of this prestigious award.
Further Reading: For more information, consider visiting the official AFL website.