Couldn't agree more Tontonan. I think it's unfair to suggest that someone is unworthy when he receives the most votes from the umpires, in a system which awards the medal to the player who gets most votes from the umpires. I think his stats were great for the year (why he was noticed by umps), and is a good tackler, but he needs to work on what he does with the ball once he gets it. Selwood, Ablett, Simon Black (one of the best when still playing imho) are/were players who almost every time would not only deliver the ball perfectly to a player, but make the right decision in a split second which was the best play to make. As an ex player (Old Boys we term them around here :), I know you don't get to see everything clearly at ground level. So I understand it's hard for the umps.

He was very humble in his speech, and I dare say seemed embarrassed that he'd won the medal over some of the top-line players he mentioned. I think that's because he knew the way the media and some public would view the result. And that's a shame.. he shouldn't have to feel guilty about winning. As Tontonan said, the issue should be with the prestige the award itself is given, not the player. But don't get me started on the media :)

Personally, I don't like the idea of umpires having the responsibility of giving the votes, and therefore having that in their mind all game. They have enough to worry about these days. But I don't see any feasible, financially viable solution. Have a panel at every game voting? But who? Has to be someone with very good football knowledge, and most probably ties (past or present) with one or more clubs. Leaves the door open for accusations of bias. I can't claim to have any solution.

Anyway, looking forward to my equal favourite day of the year on Saturday. Might go McGlynn and Parker for Norm Smith, Breust for first goal, and Goodes for last goal. Think it will be a low scoring affair and Swans by about three goals.

Can't agree with two of your points MD. Players have baises and their votes are about "best player", which is not necessarily a reflection of season long performance. Heppell for example had a hot run late in the season particularly but over 23 rounds his coaches points and brownlow votes are a far better indication of his season performance imo. Coaches assess games immediately and take into account influence/impact on a game - which is far from the often ludicrous stats-based sytems used elsewhere (thankfully not in any of the 3 major awards).

I also can't abide the "unworthy" comment we see occasionally in regard to Brownlow winners. They are all worthy but in some cases (perhaps this one?) there have, arguably, been "more worthy" recipients. The most maligned I can recall was Woewodin but his form was very good iirc. My memory extends to flashy shinbone winger Keith Greig who was probably worthy the first time but in my undoubtedly biased and dimmed memory he was nowhere near best the following year. Being on the umpires' radar is a big plus - even bigger in the days of single and dual umpires I'd imagine.

I don't know about anyone else but what's bugged me the last couple of days regarding the Brownlow is some media reports about Nathan Fyfe.

Some of these two bob, bandwagon reporters have written absurd comments about how the AFL were borderline being left redfaced if Priddis didn't get the two votes in the last round to over take Fyfe in the counting.

It's been suggested by some that they'd be embarrassed to have a leading vote getter made ineligible due to that silly head clash ruling.

Stupid rule, yes. But he was also suspended for punching Jordan Lewis off the ball in Round 21.

There are some really lazy media people out there.

Geelong that was very well said and I tend to agree with you.

Priddis only had Ablett, Selwood and Dangerfield as eligible players above him to win according to punters.

I think he flew under the radar because the Eagles had an ordinary season.

Priddis is a very worthy winner of the Brownlow and in my view a very under rated player over here in the Eastern states. The lad can find the plenty of the footy and uses it very well to his teams advantage

Priddis had a great year. His numbers stack up against anybody.

He was lucky that Ablett missed the last 7 games, but IMO he was a worthy winner on his 2014 form. He didn't have the guys taking votes off him like the Swans and Geelong players did.

Priddis joins Woewodin as the worst winner of the Brownlow in the last 30 years or so!