Brownlow Medal 2023

[Dry Rot]

Who are your top 5 and why?

[jazzadogs]

I'll be shocked if Bont isn't top 3. I really hope he wins it.

Naicos, Butters, Petracca the obvious competition.

My outsider for top 3 is Jordan Dawson.

[Grantysghost]

Bont.
Petracca.(no Oliver for long stretches might even take it out).
Butters (very noticeable)
Daicos (will lead before injury)
Gulden (stand out for Swans).

I think Serong might be up there too.

[GVGjr]

Nick Daicos
Marcus Bontempelli
Zak Butters
Christian Petracca
Lachie Neale

Toby Greene will poll well.

[Scorlibo]

I reckon it's a very even four horse race between Daicos, Petracca, Butters and Bont. Having seen all of Bont's season, I just don't feel he has enough top 3 performances, he'll need a lot of the umpires' favour to take it out.

I'll go...

1. Zak Butters
2. Nick Daicos
3. Christian Petracca
4. Marcus Bontempelli
5. Caleb Serong

Gulden will come home hard in the last 10 or so rounds.

[Axe Man]

I thought Neale was ok but not one of his better seasons yet a couple of Brownlow predictors I have seen have him right up there and even winning it. Surely they are off the mark?

[bornadog]

Would Curnow get any votes?

[GVGjr]

I thought Neale was ok but not one of his better seasons yet a couple of Brownlow predictors I have seen have him right up there and even winning it. Surely they are off the mark?

Would Dunks help make his good games 3 vote chances?

[GVGjr]

Would Curnow get any votes?

He should but it's a midfielders medal.

[ReLoad]

As much as it pangs me to say it, those close losses of ours will hurt Bonts votes for sure.

Those losses turn 3 votes into 2 or 1.

[mjp]

Would Curnow get any votes?

The Champion Data dude gave a good rundown of this on the AFL Exchange pod.

Basically based on past history of goals = votes, he'll poll around 12.

Also ran through reasons why Rozzee will score more than Butters and Brayshaw will outpoll Serong. I'm not really a fan of the count but I enjoyed the way they detailed the ins and outs of the Brownlow vote predictor.

All the way back to 2008 - except 2012 when Swan won - the winner has been top 5 for contested possessions...but NEVER 1st.

Bont was 1st. Swan (to be fair) was 11th so not far off the mark.

Daicos was 78th this year.

[EasternWest]

He should but it's a midfielders medal.

You're displaying your Curnowist tendencies.

BAD was talking about Ed.

[bornadog]

You're displaying your Curnowist tendencies.

BAD was talking about Ed.

haha, this made me LOL

[EasternWest]

haha, this made me LOL

Low hanging fruit and I can't reach very high so right in my wheelhouse.

[Murphy'sLore]

If Toby Greene wins a Brownlow before Bonti I'll spew up!

[jazzadogs]

If Toby Greene wins a Brownlow before Bonti I'll spew up!

#redemption #badboicomegood

[1eyedog]

1. Daicos - he does cute things and it's Collingwood.
2. Bont - he does everything.
3. Butters - very, very good.
4. Trac - great player but butchers it.
5. Gulden- nice player but does he win his own ball enough?

[Bulldog Revolution]

If Toby Greene wins a Brownlow before Bonti I'll spew up!

I've only just stopped spewing that Wines won it over Bont

[bornadog]

I've only just stopped spewing that Wines won it over Bont

another Woewodin - done nothing since

[Grantysghost]

another Woewodin - done nothing since

To be fair to Wines they moved him to a wing for some unknown reason, he's really not suited to that spot.

[lemmon]

I think it'll be Petracca - polls well and he won't have Oliver or Gawn taking many votes from him this year.

Bont's quiet patch through the middle will hurt him I think and as MJP pointed out, it'd be unusual for a very 'outside' Daicos to win it.

[Bulldog4life]

https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/nsw/mistaken-identity-ng-f8b1921f87a0de5184bf1bf566c70bb9



Centreman Alistair Lord was in brilliant form for Geelong in 1962 when he was reported for striking Richmond's Basil Moloney.

Lord's identical twin brother Stewart attended the tribunal hearing and sensationally declared he had been the player involved in the report.

Amid great confusion the case was thrown out and both brothers were given the all-clear to play on.

The tribunal's decision gained even greater significance at the end of the season when Alistair won the Brownlow Medal by a massive nine votes.

Had he been suspended on the striking charge, he would have been ineligible for the award.

It has also been argued that such was the likeness between the two players, Alistair may have won Brownlow votes at the expense of his brother, who played mostly off the half-back flank.

I always remember this story and was wondering the other night if the Daicos brothers will help or hinder each other for votes. If Bont is beaten that's my story.;)

[bornadog]

I think it'll be Petracca - polls well and he won't have Oliver or Gawn taking many votes from him this year.

Bont's quiet patch through the middle will hurt him I think and as MJP pointed out, it'd be unusual for a very 'outside' Daicos to win it.

Did he have a quiet patch?



Description
Opponent
Result
K
HB
D
M
G
B
T
HO
GA
I50
CL
CG
R50


Round 24
Cats
Win 104-79
17
14
31
3
0
0
10
0
2
4
6
4
4


Round 23
Eagles
Loss 85-92
18
14
32
3
1
0
10
0
1
5
12
2
2


Round 22
Hawks
Loss 64-67
17
6
23
5
0
0
8
0
0
7
7
6
2


Round 21
Tigers
Win 126-71
21
11
32
6
3
1
9
0
1
10
10
8
1


Round 20
Giants
Loss 73-78
17
10
27
3
0
0
2
0
2
7
7
8
1


Round 19
Bombers
Win 90-49
21
8
29
11
2
2
2
0
1
8
5
3
2


Round 18
Swans
Loss 76-78
22
9
31
6
2
1
8
0
0
9
6
7
1


Round 17
Magpies
Loss 77-89
14
15
29
5
0
1
8
0
1
5
6
4
1


Round 16
Dockers
Win 102-73
16
11
27
6
1
0
6
0
1
5
9
5
6


Round 14
Kangaroos
Win 105-84
16
16
32
6
3
1
11
0
1
6
8
3
2


Round 13
Power
Loss 85-107
16
15
31
4
1
0
6
0
1
3
8
6
3


Round 12
Cats
Loss 75-97
18
5
23
5
0
2
8
0
1
5
4
4
3


Round 11
Suns
Loss 77-84
16
11
27
1
0
0
11
0
0
8
9
6
0


Round 10
Crows
Win 85-40
12
18
30
3
1
1
6
0
0
3
5
4
1


Round 9
Blues
Win 79-59
16
9
25
5
0
0
9
0
0
5
3
2
2


Round 8
Giants
Win 86-71
20
12
32
4
1
1
7
0
1
7
14
2
0


Round 7
Hawks
Win 94-65
13
6
19
5
0
1
6
0
4
4
6
1
2


Round 6
Dockers
Win 118-69
16
15
31
6
2
0
10
0
1
7
8
2
3


Round 5
Power
Loss 56-70
12
11
23
2
1
0
7
0
1
6
12
0
0


Round 4
Tigers
Win 89-84
10
15
25
1
0
1
12
0
1
5
11
4
0


Round 3
Lions
Win 67-53
16
12
28
4
0
1
6
0
0
7
7
13
1


Round 2
Saints
Loss 41-92
13
11
24
4
0
0
5
1
1
4
6
1
2


Round 1
Demons
Loss 65-115
13
12
25
3
1
1
5
0
0
1
6
2
3

[jazzadogs]

Bont losing Brownlows to Wines and Neale would be sickening.

[bornadog]

Bont losing Brownlows to Wines and Neale would be sickening.

Can't see Bont winning

[Grantysghost]

Can't see Bont winning

Be lucky to be top 10.

[angelopetraglia]

Daicos not polling when media expect. Receivers don’t win Brownlows.

[SonofScray]

Turn the telly off, go to bed. No love for Bo t this year from the footy world. He’s under appreciated

[bornadog]

How does Neale get three votes in a game with 20 disposals and GWS players with 40 and 38 disposals
https://www.woof.net.au/forum/blob:https://www.woof.net.au/83332744-1e8c-49d7-9b40-9c99508cfa9a

[Topdog]

Neale got 3 votes for a game where he had 7 kicks, 0 goal assists, 5 turnovers, 152m gained and Charlie Cameron kicked 7 goals. Oh boy

[bulldogsthru&thru]

This season might just be the final nail in the brownlow coffin.

[angelopetraglia]

Dunkley got 14 votes last year. Only 3 so far in round #16.

[angelopetraglia]

Jon Ralph

I think the umpires must have got confused giving Lachie Neale three votes in round 6. Just watched every possession. 7 kicks, 13 handballs. One clanger, five ineffective touches. No coaches votes. Not horrible, but not one eye catching moment. Charlie Cameron seven go

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Jon Ralph

I think the umpires must have got confused giving Lachie Neale three votes in round 6. Just watched every possession. 7 kicks, 13 handballs. One clanger, five ineffective touches. No coaches votes. Not horrible, but not one eye catching moment. Charlie Cameron seven go

Laughable.

Jeremy Cameron got 1 vote in Round 2 after 25 disposals and 6 goals.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Jon Ralph

I think the umpires must have got confused giving Lachie Neale three votes in round 6. Just watched every possession. 7 kicks, 13 handballs. One clanger, five ineffective touches. No coaches votes. Not horrible, but not one eye catching moment. Charlie Cameron seven go

I think it goes to show how inaccurate and shite the umpire voting is. They probably went, crap who was good again? Ah probably Neale give him 3. I don't blame the umpires, they have enough on their plate during a game.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

JHF got 3 votes from a 13 disposal game.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Bont will just miss again.

Daicos would easily have won it if not injured.

[kruder]

Losing against Hawks and WCE cost us in more ways than one.

[josie]

Shows how good the Bont is to even be in the running considering our year was below par, albeit he will again fall a bit short, seeing as other top polling players are all top 4 teams.

[bornadog]

Bont close

[The Bulldogs Bite]

We've cost him again.

[angelopetraglia]

Bont has been officially robbed of a Brownlow

[The Bulldogs Bite]

What a joke. Neale wins it off a 14 possession game.

[angelopetraglia]

Highway robbery

[Topdog]

Giving me Chris Grant flashbacks

[Topdog]

Didn't even get AA honours

[FrediKanoute]

Shame for the Bont.

[dadsgirl16]

Far out!!! Officially robbed

[angelopetraglia]

“If you can make a case for Lachie Neale polling 3 Votes in Round 6 when he had 20 disposals, 6 clearances and 3 score involvements ahead of Charlie Cameron 7 goals, kelly 41 disposals, coniglio 38 disposals or Brent Daniels 4 goals. Become an umpire ������”

[angelopetraglia]

Bont had 4 games where he got 10 coaches votes but not 3 votes in the Brownlow.

[Dry Rot]

I am asdisappointed as much as the rest of you, but how and why was the Bont robbed?

[angelopetraglia]

Officially robbed.

Neale not AA. Neale phantom Brownlow votes. Seriously.

[angelopetraglia]

I am asdisappointed as much as the rest of you, but how and why was the Bont robbed?

Neale got three votes in a game where it was clearly a mistake!!!!!

[Grantysghost]

I blame Libba.

[bornadog]

I feel sorry for Bont, disgusting, robbed

[angelopetraglia]

Bont has now lost a Brownlow with 29 votes and 33 votes!!!!!

Libba won a Brownlow with 18 …..

[Grantysghost]

I'm surprised English managed 11 votes. I get it's hard not to be drawn into the history and emotion of the occasion however it's really a terrible reflection on the best player for the season.

We really need to acknowledge what it is : the umpires favourite midfielder award.

Bont needs to just be a little bit nicer.

English 11
Curnow 17
Larkey 7! That's 0.1 votes per goal.
Wilkie 2 (he was the AA FB).

[Scorlibo]

Devastating for the Bont. That round 6 game with Neale getting 3 votes is ridiculous.

Having said that, I feel the Bont polled well, and was lucky to be ahead of Petracca, Daicos and Butters at the end of the night. Umpires just handed Neale vote after vote and did them all in.

[Grantysghost]

Devastating for the Bont. That round 6 game with Neale getting 3 votes is ridiculous.

Having said that, I feel the Bont polled well, and was lucky to be ahead of Petracca, Daicos and Butters at the end of the night. Umpires just handed Neale vote after vote and did them all in.

For some reason the other Lions mids didn't exist.

Mccluggage 3
Dunks 4

Edit : Ashcroft 10

[Scorlibo]

I'm surprised English managed 11 votes. I get it's hard not to be drawn into the history and emotion of the occasion however it's really a terrible reflection on the best player for the season.

We really need to acknowledge what it is : the umpires favourite midfielder award.

Bont needs to just be a little bit nicer.

English 11
Curnow 17
Larkey 7! That's 0.1 votes per goal.
Wilkie 2 (he was the AA FB).

It's the 3-2-1 system that favours midfielders, not the umpires. Curnow can kick 10 and it registers the same three votes as any given midfielder's 30 touch game, when it's probably twice as good.

[Grantysghost]

It's the 3-2-1 system that favours midfielders, not the umpires. Curnow can kick 10 and it registers the same three votes as any given midfielder's 30 touch game, when it's probably twice as good.

Hmm not sure. It's not understanding the game.

5 goals is 35 touches. They need to be educated.

[Flamethrower]

I have zero respect for anything decided by the umpires. FFS 4 of they allowed Jezza Cameron to kick a goal from Fed Square.

Half the time they guess and the other half they just pick a player they once heard of.

[bornadog]

Gulden had 42 disposals and 2 goals and Viney gets the 3 votes in the last round.

[jazzadogs]

Dunks can make him a victory fajita. It will taste the same as Neales football this year - bland and uneventful.

[jeemak]

Dosh Junkley ****s us again.

Useless arsehat. Could barely steal a vote.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Given we like to change everything else about the game, hopefully this is impetus to change the voting system because it's ****ing diabolical.

[Eastdog]

Not again. Bont loses out. Not much faith at all in the voting system.

[Grantysghost]

Dunks can make him a victory fajita. It will taste the same as Neales football this year - bland and uneventful.

Ha : hey I want a victory fajeeta!

[Grantysghost]

Not again. Bont loses out. Not much faith at all in the voting system.

As always you nail it in a concise manner ED.

[ReLoad]

The need to change AFL monopoly board game; Bank Error in your favour, collect a Brownlow medal.

[Testekill]

Ultimately we failed Bont by dropping a bunch of close games where he'd probably get 3 if we won.

It's still an utter joke though.

[jeemak]

Ultimately we failed Bont by dropping a bunch of close games where he'd probably get 3 if we won.

It's still an utter joke though.

Just like 2021.

But much of that blame also sits with Bont.

[Rocket Science]

Maggots picked a helluva year to start recognising Libba.

[Eastdog]

The Brownlow does not respect the great intercept defenders in our game who are very important.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Ultimately we failed Bont by dropping a bunch of close games where he'd probably get 3 if we won.

It's still an utter joke though.

To be fair to the others Bont didn't exactly step up in those games either.

It's a joke but it's an award that lost credibility decades ago. If you actually care about who wins it and who doesn't then you have a lot of respect for the umpires judgement of what it takes to be the best footballer on the night. There's countless other awards or recognitions that you'd put ahead of this one. Who's opinion on players do we listen to all year? Never the umpires. Who cares what they think. Except the most prestigious award of the year, we take their opinion and their opinion only. It really is bizarre.

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F634jIKacAEyAzL?format=jpg&name=medium

[josie]

Hopefully this is yet another spur for our players to pull their socks up and support Bont instead of him and a small handful of others week in week out trying to pull us over the line.

Hoping Pies win GF and Daicos wins the Normie.

Want De Goey to figuratively pull Dunks pants down too.

As the wise sage Alan Partridge says, ?that?s all I ask?.

[bornadog]

Even Libba had a better season than Neale



Player Statistics Comparison





Lachie Neale (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-brisbane-lions--lachie-neale)
Name
Thomas Liberatore (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-western-bulldogs--thomas-liberatore)


Brisbane Lions (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/th-brisbane-lions)
Team
Western Bulldogs (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/th-western-bulldogs)


Midfield
Position
Midfield


245
Career Games
216


Glenelg
Origin
Calder Cannons


May 24, 1993
Date of Birth
May 16, 1992


30yr 4mth
Age
31yr 4mth


178cm
Height
184cm


84kg
Weight
85kg


2011 National Draft (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_drafts?year=2011&t=N&s=P)
Last Drafted In
2010 National Draft (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_drafts?year=2010&t=N&s=P)


Round 3, Pick #58
Last Draft Position
Round 2, Pick #41


Fremantle Dockers (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/th-fremantle-dockers)
Last Drafted By
Western Bulldogs (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/th-western-bulldogs)


2023
Stats for Season
2023


25
Games
21


12.1
Kicks
12.7


14.8
Handballs
14.7


26.9
Disposals
27.3


4.1
Marks
2.8


0.1
Goals
0.4


0.4
Behinds
0.4


4.1
Tackles
6.7


0
Hitouts
0


3.7
Inside 50s
4.0


0.4
Goal Assists
0.8


1.5
Frees For
0.9


0.8
Frees Against
0.9


13.7
Contested Possessions
14.5


13.0
Uncontested Possessions
12.9


20.2
Effective Disposals
20.2


75.1%
Disposal Efficiency %
74%


3.0
Clangers
3.0


0
Contested Marks
0.1


0.1
Marks Inside 50
0.2


8.1
Clearances
8.0


1.2
Rebound 50s
1.6


0.9
One Percenters
1.4


0.2
Bounces
0


86.6
Time On Ground %
78.1


3.4
Centre Clearances
3.0


4.6
Stoppage Clearances
5.0


5.9
Score Involvements
6.0


294.4
Metres Gained
316.0


3.8
Turnovers
3.9


3.8
Intercepts
2.8


0.4
Tackles Inside 50
0.8

[jazzadogs]

Bont had four games where he got the perfect 10 coaches votes and didn't get 3 Brownlow votes.

[angelopetraglia]

Yes. Dunks with only four votes was costly. Could not get a vote from Neale.

[angelopetraglia]

Libba with Dunks gone, polls his heart out and competed with Bont for votes.

[Prince Imperial]

Macrae failed to get a single vote despite polling 106 in his career. Unsurprising, but another sign of where he was at this year.

[jeemak]

Looking forward to adding this as another form of self loathing and masochism over the next new weeks until trade week kicks in.

[Topdog]

Macrae failed to get a single vote despite polling 106 in his career. Unsurprising, but another sign of where he was at this year.

Where he was at was a complete change of game plan for him

[jeemak]

Macrae failed to get a single vote despite polling 106 in his career. Unsurprising, but another sign of where he was at this year.

Jacko needs to be in the middle if he wants to poll votes, and if we want to be any good again. It's complete idiocy putting him high forward predominantly.

[angelopetraglia]

Brownlow votes

Neale 31
Dunks 4
McCluggage 3

Average touches

Neale 27
Dunks 24
McCluggage 23

[angelopetraglia]

“ If you told me preseason Dunkley would poll twice as many votes as he kicked goals I would have thought that seemed about right. Just wouldn’t have guessed it’d be four votes. Four!”

[jeemak]

“ If you told me preseason Dunkley would poll twice as many votes as he kicked goals I would have thought that seemed about right. Just wouldn’t have guessed it’d be four votes. Four!”

He'd be walking away surprised that teams with decent wings and flashier outside players make it hard for the second inside player to stand out. Genuinely surprised.

But not to worry, he's playing in a GF and he has lots of Netflix menus to peruse on top of some very cooked through meat fajitas. He's going to be finel

[angelopetraglia]

?In a match where Giant Josh Kelly had 41 disposals, and Neale?s teammate Daniel Rich racked up 27 disposals and 750m gained while Charlie Cameron kicked seven goals, Neale was announced as the three-vote getter Brisbane?s Round 6 win.

Neale was the 10th highest disposal getter in the match, with an efficiency of just 65 per cent.

The decision to award him the best on ground title stunned the AFL community, and turned the Brownlow Medal count in the Lions? star?s favour.?

[angelopetraglia]

Looking at this comparison https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_player_compare?playerStatus1=A&tid1=8&pid1=3921&fid1=S&playerStatus2=A&tid2=20&pid2=3694&fid2=S&type=A

In terms of impact. Goals, goal assists, tackles, metres gained, contested marks and one percenters it’s night and day. There would not be a single coach in the game who pick Neale in front of Bont on what was produced in 2023. Such a travesty.

(Wines statistically had a much more comparable season in 2021 when he beat Bont, you can see how that result happened. When you look at the stats, listen to the astute judges of the game, it is difficult to comprehend how Neale has a better season that Bont, even taking into consideration the lottery system of 3-2-1 voting).

[G-Mo77]

If we won a few more he probably would have won. The disaster of a season just keeps kicking you in the nuts repeatedly. Hopefully that's the last boot in the groin for 2023.

[Grantysghost]

Lewis Taylor now this!

Go Pies.

[azabob]

Lewis Taylor now this!

Go Pies.

You can't fool me. We all know your a lions supporter!!

[Grantysghost]

You can't fool me. We all know your a lions supporter!!

Damn too obvious... I knew it was too obvious.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

If we won a few more he probably would have won. The disaster of a season just keeps kicking you in the nuts repeatedly. Hopefully that's the last boot in the groin for 2023.

The trade period says hold my beer.

[G-Mo77]

The trade period says hold my beer.

*shudders*

[Sedat]

Who honestly cares that Bont missed a Brownlow. I'm dirty he missed September action altogether, let alone not playing this week.

The whole "Bont was robbed" narrative is a little nauseating to be honest. It started when Greene was voted AA captain, which was a total line-ball decision and easily justifiable (Moore, Sicily and Dawson had claims as well, if slightly below Greene and Bont). Was Bont robbed against Hawthorn and West Coast late in the season when he performed poorly and didn't get his team over the line and into finals? He had a Brownlow in his control (not that he would care about individual awards) and simply didn't get it done. Enough with the professional victimhood.

Bont had an elite season for the vast majority of 2023 but as a club we missed out on finals - that's all we should be concerned about. The club needs to get better and fast please, like starting in 2024. And maybe sustain the success next time.

[bulldogtragic]

Who honestly cares that Bont missed a Brownlow. I'm dirty he missed September action altogether, let alone not playing this week.

The whole "Bont was robbed" narrative is a little nauseating to be honest. It started when Greene was voted AA captain, which was a total line-ball decision and easily justifiable (Moore, Sicily and Dawson had claims as well, if slightly below Greene and Bont). Was Bont robbed against Hawthorn and West Coast late in the season when he performed poorly and didn't get his team over the line and into finals? He had a Brownlow in his control (not that he would care about individual awards) and simply didn't get it done. Enough with the professional victimhood.

Bont had an elite season for the vast majority of the season but as a club we missed out on finals - that's all we should be concerned about. The club needs to get better and fast please, like starting in 2024. And maybe sustain the success next time.

Was about to say something similar. Bang on.

[angelopetraglia]

"No player has ever averaged at least 7.5 clearances, 7.5 score involvements, and 7.5 tackles in a season until Marcus Bontempelli this year."

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Who honestly cares that Bont missed a Brownlow. I'm dirty he missed September action altogether, let alone not playing this week.

The whole "Bont was robbed" narrative is a little nauseating to be honest. It started when Greene was voted AA captain, which was a total line-ball decision and easily justifiable (Moore, Sicily and Dawson had claims as well, if slightly below Greene and Bont). Was Bont robbed against Hawthorn and West Coast late in the season when he performed poorly and didn't get his team over the line and into finals? He had a Brownlow in his control (not that he would care about individual awards) and simply didn't get it done. Enough with the professional victimhood.

Bont had an elite season for the vast majority of 2023 but as a club we missed out on finals - that's all we should be concerned about. The club needs to get better and fast please, like starting in 2024. And maybe sustain the success next time.

Yep. 2 games against the bottom 4 to secure finals and we botched it and he didnt stand up. At a time where his competitor Daicos was out injured. He wasn't robbed. The voting was strange at times but people are acting like that's something new with the brownlow. Daicos would have walked it in if not injured anyway.

Ultimately everyone at the club failed dismally this season. Whilst I think Bont should have polled more votes than Neale and would have been a deserved winner, it was his for the taking in the last few weeks and he didn't take his chances. Much like our season as a whole.

2021 was the year he got robbed imo.

[MrMahatma]

Who honestly cares that Bont missed a Brownlow. I'm dirty he missed September action altogether, let alone not playing this week.

The whole "Bont was robbed" narrative is a little nauseating to be honest. It started when Greene was voted AA captain, which was a total line-ball decision and easily justifiable (Moore, Sicily and Dawson had claims as well, if slightly below Greene and Bont). Was Bont robbed against Hawthorn and West Coast late in the season when he performed poorly and didn't get his team over the line and into finals? He had a Brownlow in his control (not that he would care about individual awards) and simply didn't get it done. Enough with the professional victimhood.

Bont had an elite season for the vast majority of 2023 but as a club we missed out on finals - that's all we should be concerned about. The club needs to get better and fast please, like starting in 2024. And maybe sustain the success next time.

I wish he won it. Whatever we think of the award, phrases such as "Brownlow Medallist" "Premiership Player" "Norm Smith Medallist" can make a difference to the individual player's legacy, and no doubt to life post footy.

[Grantysghost]

I wish he won it. Whatever we think of the award, phrases such as "Brownlow Medallist" "Premiership Player" "Norm Smith Medallist" can make a difference to the individual player's legacy, and no doubt to life post footy.

Pendlebury has never won one and I dare say he'd be the most respected player ever nearly. Not sure it's as prestigious as the media wants us to believe.

Non winners \ all time votes position :

Pendlebury \ 5 (221)
Selwood \ 7 (214)
Matthews \ 10 (202)
Harvey \ 11 (191)
Franklin \ 15 (186)
West \ 20 (175)
Boak \ 21 (174)
Bontempelli \ 23 (169)
Bartlett \ 27 (160)

[bulldogtragic]

I wish he won it. Whatever we think of the award, phrases such as "Brownlow Medallist" "Premiership Player" "Norm Smith Medallist" can make a difference to the individual player's legacy, and no doubt to life post footy.

Mr Football is a disappointment then?

[Rocket Science]

Looking forward to adding this as another form of self loathing and masochism over the next new weeks until trade week kicks in.

https://i.ibb.co/xqq8VQx/Ffdr8bw-WYBcr9-Lb.jpg (https://ibb.co/nMM8hSx)

[Sedat]

I wish he won it. Whatever we think of the award, phrases such as "Brownlow Medallist" "Premiership Player" "Norm Smith Medallist" can make a difference to the individual player's legacy, and no doubt to life post footy.
I don't want to sound harsh, but he 100% had the Norm Smith in his control 2 years ago and instead it was Petracca who grabbed that opportunity with both hands in the last 40 minutes of that match, and he also had the Brownlow under his control last night with 3 rounds to go but again didn't take his chance.

All that should concern Bont, the club and the supporters is that he is a top 3-5 player in the competition and at the physical peak of his powers, and yet we didn't even compete in September this year let alone contend for silverware. That's not to say anything about having AA ruckman and elite seasons from Libba, Treloar, Liam Jones and others. It is a little embarrassing to be perfectly honest, and it should shame the entire club into action, from the top down.

[MrMahatma]

Mr Football is a disappointment then?

Never saw him play.

[jazzadogs]

Who honestly cares that Bont missed a Brownlow. I'm dirty he missed September action altogether, let alone not playing this week.

The whole "Bont was robbed" narrative is a little nauseating to be honest. It started when Greene was voted AA captain, which was a total line-ball decision and easily justifiable (Moore, Sicily and Dawson had claims as well, if slightly below Greene and Bont). Was Bont robbed against Hawthorn and West Coast late in the season when he performed poorly and didn't get his team over the line and into finals? He had a Brownlow in his control (not that he would care about individual awards) and simply didn't get it done. Enough with the professional victimhood.

Bont had an elite season for the vast majority of 2023 but as a club we missed out on finals - that's all we should be concerned about. The club needs to get better and fast please, like starting in 2024. And maybe sustain the success next time.

I agree with most of your post but have to talk to this...

Clearly our best against the Eagles. 32 touches including 20 and a goal in the second half, 10 tackles, 12 clearances - I'm not sure he could have done more.

Against the Hawks he was very effectively negated once Libba was out and all the focus was on him - again, a bit of support from his teammates would have been nice.

I think Bont maintained a very high level in most games. What I find frustrating is that an outstanding individual player has lost two brownlows because of an inability of his teammates to stand up and support him. I wanted him to win for the same reason he should have been AA captain - he carried this team on his back for most of the year.

[bulldogtragic]

Never saw him play.

Never won a Norm Smith or Brownlow. Yet we named medals, ovals and bridges after him?

I don’t think a medal makes the man. EJ or Marcus.

[bornadog]

Mr Football is a disappointment then?

no he isn't because the Brownlow is for FAIREST and best

[EasternWest]

I wish he won it. Whatever we think of the award, phrases such as "Brownlow Medallist" "Premiership Player" "Norm Smith Medallist" can make a difference to the individual player's legacy, and no doubt to life post footy.

It's a reasonable point.

Probably more pertinent for Shane Woewodin to wedge "Brownlow Medallist" into his CV.

My suspicion is Bont will be fine post footy ;).

[SquirrelGrip]

I think order of legacy is as follows:

Multiple Norm Smith Medallist
Multiple Premiership Player
Multiple Brownlow Medallist
Norm Smith Medallist
Premiership Captain
Multiple All-Australian
Club B&F in Premiership Year
Premiership Player
Brownlow Medallist
Multiple Club B&F
Coleman Medallist
Single All Australian
Other Random AFL Awards

[jazzadogs]

I think order of legacy is as follows:

Multiple Norm Smith Medallist
Multiple Premiership Player
Multiple Brownlow Medallist
Norm Smith Medallist
Premiership Captain
Multiple All-Australian
Club B&F in Premiership Year
Premiership Player
Brownlow Medallist
Multiple Club B&F
Coleman Medallist
Single All Australian
Other Random AFL Awards

Somewhere in there is just 'club legend'.

[Sedat]

I agree with most of your post but have to talk to this...

Clearly our best against the Eagles. 32 touches including 20 and a goal in the second half, 10 tackles, 12 clearances - I'm not sure he could have done more.

Against the Hawks he was very effectively negated once Libba was out and all the focus was on him - again, a bit of support from his teammates would have been nice.

I think Bont maintained a very high level in most games. What I find frustrating is that an outstanding individual player has lost two brownlows because of an inability of his teammates to stand up and support him. I wanted him to win for the same reason he should have been AA captain - he carried this team on his back for most of the year.
Very fair on the West Coast game, although we still didn't get over the line against a competition laughing stock who lost by 100+ points the week before and weren't even incentivized to win. Bont should be racking up those numbers in his sleep against such an inept opposition - and yes the rest of the team were unspeakably poor on the day.

The Hawthorn game was poor from Bont (and many others). The one criticism in his game is that he struggles with a hard negating tag, and he clearly didn't handle the heat Maginnes put on him in Tassie. Newcombe completely owned that game and Bont didn't. It cost him individually and the team collectively.

We need to get better as a club, even Bont. The minute you stand still, you're finished. Ultimately that's all I care about.

[angelopetraglia]

If Lachie Neale won last year which he would have if Cripps didn't get off on a technicalilty loophole that now has been closed, he would be a three time winner and that would place him in the rarest of air, alongside legends Hayden Bunton Sr, Dick Reynolds, Bob Skilton and Ian Stewart.

Lachie Neale is a good footballer, but is he legend status worthy?

I just think it highlights we put too much weight on the Brownlow medal.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

If Lachie Neale won last year which he would have if Cripps didn't get off on a technicalilty loophole that now has been closed, he would be a three time winner and that would place him in the rarest of air, alongside legends Hayden Bunton Sr, Dick Reynolds, Bob Skilton and Ian Stewart.

Lachie Neale is a good footballer, but is he legend status worthy?

I just think it highlights we put too much weight on the Brownlow medal.

I think we need to stop looking at the brownlow as THE medal. Are umpires opinions on the best players continually sought out during the season? Do we see umpires interviewed throughout the season? No we don't. No one would give a damn what umpires think. Yet we take their opinion when rewarding the most prestigious award of the year. It's so weird.

[angelopetraglia]

I think order of legacy is as follows:

Multiple Norm Smith Medallist
Multiple Premiership Player
Multiple Brownlow Medallist
Norm Smith Medallist
Premiership Captain
Multiple All-Australian
Club B&F in Premiership Year
Premiership Player
Brownlow Medallist
Multiple Club B&F
Coleman Medallist
Single All Australian
Other Random AFL Awards

Club B&F in a Premiership year I would value much higher.

[jazzadogs]

Club B&F in a Premiership year I would value much higher.

I agree within a club that's right...but how many can you name off the top of your head? I'd have no idea who won Richmond's b&fs, or west coast in 2018. Even Melbourne 2021 I'd be guessing that petracca won it from Oliver?

I think realistically it's actually LOWER on the list below premiership player, Brownlow medallist and Coleman medallist, in terms of recognition from football community.

[azabob]

Club B&F in a Premiership year I would value much higher.

Agree with this. Not sure there is a greater individual accolade in football.

[mjp]

Of the inaugural legends elected to the HOF:

Whitten
Cazaly
Barrassi
Matthews
Nicholls
Coleman
Dyer
Bunton Snr - Triple Brownlow AND Triple Sandover.
Farmer - Triple Sandover
Reynolds - Double Brownlow
Skilton - Triple Brownlow
Pratt
Steward - Triple Brownlow
Coventry
Hudson
Bartlett
Robran - 3 Magarey
Hutchison - 2 Brownlow
McHale
Baldock
Smith
Jesaulenko
Murray - 1 brownlow
Hart

...

I could keep going...it sort of seems as if 'Legends' have LOTS of individual medals...or NONE.

I don't think Matthew's reputation was harmed by what he didn't win. As he famously said when asked by one of his Lions' players after their 3rd flag "Leigh, where would you be without us?"..."I'd just have to be happy with being the greatest player of all time I guess"...

[jazzadogs]

When was the last time a Brownlow medallist didn't even win their own best and fairest?

Lachie Neale finishes second to Harris Andrews.

[angelopetraglia]

In 1993 I know that Wanganeen didn't win the B&F. Gary O'Donnell won it. But Wanganeen only won it with 18 votes that year.

[jazzadogs]

Swamp coming through as usual.

Most recent players to win their club B&F ahead of that year's Brownlow medallist
2023 - HARRIS ANDREWS
2015 - Aaron Sandilands
2014 - Eric Mackenzie
2011 - Scott Pendlebury
2008 - Daniel Cross
2007 - Gary Ablett jnr
2001 - Michael Voss & Simon Black

[Axe Man]

Swamp coming through as usual.

Most recent players to win their club B&F ahead of that year's Brownlow medallist
2023 - HARRIS ANDREWS
2015 - Aaron Sandilands
2014 - Eric Mackenzie
2011 - Scott Pendlebury
2008 - Daniel Cross
2007 - Gary Ablett jnr
2001 - Michael Voss & Simon Black

That would be a good trivia question. I expect quite a few people wouldn't even remember Eric Mackenzie, much less know he beat Priddis in the B&F that year.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Swamp coming through as usual.

Most recent players to win their club B&F ahead of that year's Brownlow medallist
2023 - HARRIS ANDREWS
2015 - Aaron Sandilands
2014 - Eric Mackenzie
2011 - Scott Pendlebury
2008 - Daniel Cross
2007 - Gary Ablett jnr
2001 - Michael Voss & Simon Black



Umpire award winners those years:

23 - Lachie Neale
15 - Fyfe
14 - Priddis
11 - Swan
08 - Cooney
07 - Bartel
01 - Akermanis

Bartel was 9 votes ahead of Ablett in the umpires award.
Cooney 12 votes ahead of Cross.
Swan 10 votes ahead of Pendles.
Priddis 23 votes ahead of Mackenzie (who got 3 votes).
Fyfe 17 votes ahead of Sandilands.
Neale 23 ahead of Andrews.