Do you think the Brownlow has been cheapened by only ever being awarded to midfielders recently?

Question

Scarlett was one player I was thinking of who is one of AFL's MVP but will never ever get close to a brownlow, and Forky a lot of the players you mentioned were 15+ years ago; I would like to see those types winning again or at least in the mix.

Answer 1

I reckon it's more cheapened by only allocating so many votes per game rather than some form of ranking system.  I can think of many worthy winners but honestly, I don't think Liberatore for example would have had a look in if he was playing alongside Brereton, Dipiexx depie xxxDipper (:-)) and Dunstall rather than against them.

I don't know there's an answer and maybe that's just part of the charm of it.

Perhaps put more emphasis on the other awards?  Goals, tackles, possessions etc ..

Answer 2

The Brownlow Medal lost all credibility when an AFL commissioner decided the 1997 Brownlow.

No offense to Robert Harvey, but Chris Grant was the rightful winner of the Brownlow in 1997. All 3 field umpires deemed that he had no case to answer for his spoiling attempt on Nick Holland. For Ian Collins to then overrule the umpires was an absolute disgrace.

Answer 3

I dont think its been cheapened, all the players who have won recently have deserved it. But i see what you mean, it would be nice to see someone other than a midfielder rewarded for a good season. I think the likes of Pavlich or Scarlett could take home the Brownlow one year soon.

Answer 4

Nah i don't think its cheapened its probably more just the nature of the votes system,i mean the mid fielders do the majority of the running and ball getting and they are constantly in the umpires view,but there have been other winners that weren't midfielders i.e James hird (utility), tony lockett (full forward),Jim stynes (ruckman) ,Adam goodes (ruckman/utility),Gavin wanganeen (half back flank),kelvin Templeton (forward),Scott wynd (ruck man),Bernie Quinlan (wingman),Malcolm blight (centre half frwd), Barry round (ruckman),but your correct in saying they win most of the brownlow medals,and in modern footy where forwards struggle to reach 80 goals let alone the magical 100 they will win more and more brownlows.

Answer 5

Mid-fielders get the votes because the get most of the ball and do most of the work, therefore they are under the umpire's noses more often. You can't vote for anyone you don't see during a game can you?