The AFL appears to have a Brownlow Medal crisis on its hands after a savage reaction to not only Lachie Neale’s surprise win – but some truly shocking votes in countless other games.
The umpire-voted award has always been controversial but the disillusionment reached fever point on Monday night as the veteran Brisbane midfielder claimed the medal for the second time ahead of a host more fancied rivals.
Neale followed his win in 2021 with a league-leading 31 votes, edging Bulldogs midfielder Marcus Bontempelli (29), pre-poll favourite Nick Daicos (28) and youngsters Zak Butters and Errol Gulden (both 27). Melbourne’s Christian Petracca was sixth with 26 votes.
These were the most controversial moments on the AFL’s night of nights.
Neale gets three votes for seven-kick game
Social media erupted when Neale was dubbed best on ground in Brisbane’s Round 6 win — a match where he wasn’t expected to poll and didn’t receive any coaches’ votes for his efforts against GWS.
“The umpires must have got confused giving Lachie Neale three votes in ro...
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