AFL Brownlow Medal: Past Winners & History

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The Brownlow Medal is the most prestigious individual award in the Australian Football League (AFL). Awarded annually to the "fairest and best" player during the regular season, it's a night of high anticipation and celebration in the AFL calendar.

A History of Excellence: The Brownlow Medal

First awarded in 1924, the Brownlow Medal is named after Charles Brownlow, a former Geelong Football Club player and administrator. The medal recognizes not only exceptional skill but also fair play, making it a unique honor in Australian sports.

Key Facts About the Brownlow:

  • Eligibility: Players suspended during the season are ineligible to win.
  • Voting System: Each game, the field umpires award 3 votes to the best player, 2 votes to the second-best, and 1 vote to the third-best.
  • Count Night: The votes are tallied and revealed at a televised ceremony, creating a suspenseful and exciting event.

Notable Brownlow Winners

Throughout its rich history, the Brownlow Medal has been claimed by some of the AFL's most iconic figures. Here are a few standouts:

  • Dick Reynolds: A legendary Essendon player, Reynolds won the Brownlow a record three times (1934, 1937, 1938).
  • Haydn Bunton Sr.: Winning in 1931, 1932 and 1935, Bunton was a dominant force in his era.
  • Graham Teasdale: The South Melbourne champion won the medal in 1977.

Multiple Winners

A select group of players have achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Brownlow Medal multiple times, cementing their place in AFL history. Think of names like:

  • Ian Stewart: (1965, 1966, 1971)
  • Bob Skilton: (1959, 1963, 1968)
  • Gary Ablett Jr.: (2009, 2013)

The Modern Era

In recent years, the Brownlow Medal has continued to recognize outstanding talent. Players like Patrick Dangerfield (2016), Dustin Martin (2017), and Nat Fyfe (2015, 2019) have added their names to the prestigious list.

Recent Winners:

  • 2020: Lachie Neale
  • 2021: Ollie Wines
  • 2022: Patrick Cripps
  • 2023: Zak Butters

More Than Just an Award

The Brownlow Medal is more than just an individual accolade; it represents dedication, skill, and fair play. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of the AFL and the remarkable athletes who grace the field each season.

Further Reading:

  • For a complete list of Brownlow Medal winners, visit the official AFL website.
  • Explore profiles of past winners on AFL history websites.