“45 Votes is a Bit Much” – AFL Unpopular Opinions

“45 Votes is a Bit Much” – AFL Unpopular Opinions

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Patrick Cripps secured his second Brownlow Medal in three years with a record-breaking 45 votes with Nick Daicos being runner-up with a record 38 votes was very much on the agenda of the latest episode of Neds AFL Unpopular Opinions.

Tom Rockliff and Alastair Lynch didn’t hold back on their thoughts regarding Cripps’ win, the current Brownlow voting system, and the award’s standing within AFL circles on this week’s show.

Cripps’ record win, while widely acknowledged as a deserving achievement, has raised eyebrows due to the historic 45-vote tally.

Rockliff and Lynch both acknowledged Cripps as a “worthy” Brownlow Medallist, but they questioned the staggering vote count.

“45 votes is a bit much. I’m not sure it’s entirely justified, and that probably speaks to how the umpires are handing out votes.”

The former 206-gamer for Brisbane and Port Adelaide, who finished fifth in the 2013 count on 21 votes pointed out the numerous responsibilities umpires juggle during a match, which could impact their ability to accurately award votes.

“With all the new rules and interpretations, it’s a lot for them to manage, and at the end of the day, they’re human.” Rockliff remarked.

Alastair Lynch also shared similar sentiments, emphasizing that Cripps’ win was not in question but suggesting the system may have been skewed due to media attention surrounding certain star players.

“When there’s so much focus on a handful of players, the umpires tend to lean in that direction,” Lynch explained.

“That’s probably why players like Marcus Bontempelli, who had a standout season, didn’t get as close as expected.”

Bontempelli, who was considered a contender to win the Medal last night only polled 19-votes and finished 14th overall, failed to register a vote in the Dogs Round 2 win over the Gold Coast where he received the 10 AFL coaches votes for his 32 disposals and two goals.

The conversation quickly turned to the Brownlow voting process itself, with both Rockliff and Lynch voicing frustrations about its current format.

Umpires are responsible for awarding votes after each match, but there are growing concerns that this system may not always reflect the best players on the field.

“I think we need a designated umpire or observer whose job is to focus solely on awarding votes. Right now, it seems like votes are being given based on overall perception rather than actual game impact” Tom Rockliff suggested.

He also pointed to instances where players who were subbed off or had minimal influence still managed to poll votes, further fueling doubts about the current system’s accuracy.

Lynch, however, was more inclined to stick with tradition but agreed that some reforms were necessary. “The Brownlow has always been the umpires’ award, and I think it should stay that way. But maybe there’s room for evolution, like including more input from those who watch every detail of the game.”

While the Brownlow remains the AFL’s highest individual accolade, its significance among players and coaches has been increasingly debated in recent years.

Both Rockliff and Lynch acknowledged the Brownlow’s historical prestige but highlighted a growing sentiment that other awards might carry more weight in AFL circles today.

“The players’ award, the Leigh Matthews Trophy for the AFLPA Most Valuable Player, is the one I rate higher,” said Rockliff. “That’s the award where the players vote, and they’re the ones in the trenches, knowing what’s going on better than anyone else. It feels more genuine.”

Lynch added that the AFL Coaches Association (AFLCA) Award is also held in high regard. “The coaches know the game inside out. They watch every detail, so when they give a player top votes, it’s because they’ve truly earned it. I’d argue that this award is becoming as prestigious, if not more so, within the league.”

However, both agreed that despite growing competition from these newer awards, the Brownlow will always hold a special place in AFL folklore. “It’s got the history, the glamour, and the unpredictability,” Lynch said. “Even with its flaws, the Brownlow remains the centerpiece of individual achievement in our game.”

 

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