Matt Rowell: 2025 AFL Brownlow Medal Winner

 

GOLD Coast star Matt Rowell has won the 2025 Brownlow Medal in a stunning count on Monday night, racing to an early lead and powering home to become the second winner in the Suns' history.

Rowell, who helped lead his club to an historic first finals campaign in a career-best 2025 season, outshone the leading pre-count contenders to poll 39 votes, winning from Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos (32) and Geelong gun Bailey Smith (29).

The No.1 pick from 2019 became the first player in Brownlow Medal history to poll three votes in each of his first four games, going on to secure eight best-on-grounds and polling in 16 games as he joined dual medallist Gary Ablett as a Gold Coast winner.

The 24-year-old's final tally was the second most in history, behind last year's winner Patrick Cripps (45), with the brutish onballer catching the umpires' attention early and polling relentlessly in a season that also saw him also earn All-Australian selection for the first time.

Collingwood superstar and pre-count favourite Daicos achieved his third consecutive podium finish after being pipped in the final round in 2023 and finishing runner-up in a record-breaking 2024 count, which saw him poll 38 votes.

The Magpies' midfielder threatened to make a move with three consecutive best-on-grounds from round 15-17, cutting Rowell's lead to two votes. But the Suns' ball-winner held him off and then charged home in a run of eight vote-getting games to write his name into the history books.

He was declared the winner after round 22, winning the prestigious award after a terrific season that saw him rank No.2 in the AFL for clearances (8.5), No.3 tackles (8.6), and No.3 for contested possessions, averaging a career-best 26.3 disposals.

"I can't believe I'm standing up here tonight … a lot of boys could have been standing up here tonight, so I feel very humbled and very honoured," Rowell said.

"I'm pretty speechless to be honest.

"My family are massive supporters and they're everything to me. They're at every game and support me so much … it's why I'm standing up here today."

Rowell, who joined 2008 winner Adam Cooney as the only other No.1 draft pick to win a Brownlow Medal, said he had always dreamed of playing in the AFL and "lived and breathed" the game growing up.

A childhood Carlton fan, the Carey Grammar and Oakleigh Chargers product admitted to being a "footy weirdo" after developing a habit in recent seasons of eating turf off the AFL playing surface before games.

"I started doing that a few years ago. You try a lot of weird things and that was kind of like a grounding process that I wanted to do before games," he said.

"Feel, sight, taste obviously. Those are the kinds of things you do." 

Rowell also paid tribute to teammates Touk Miller, David Swallow and Jarrod Witts who "did a lot of the grunt work" for Gold Coast before his arrival.

Re-signed until the end of 2027 after signing a contract extension mid-year, he thanked the Suns and singled out midfield sidekick Noah Anderson.

Rowell had been expected to share votes with his captain on Monday night but hoarded them for himself early as Anderson polled just two votes in the first 10 rounds, eventually finishing with 25 after entering as a leading contender.

Rowell's ability to poll more prominently than expected through the early stages of the season saw him race to 15 votes by round seven in a burst that defined the count.

second through the middle stages and trailing Rowell by just one vote after round 14 as Smith and Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson also climbed the leaderboard into the top five.

None of them could bridge the gap to Rowell, however, who became a first-time winner, receiving his Medal from 2024 winner and dual medallist Patrick Cripps in the ceremony at Crown Melbourne.

2025 Brownlow Medal, Top 10

Matt Rowell - 39 votes

Nick Daicos - 32

Bailey Smith - 29

Jordan Dawson - 27

Andrew Brayshaw - 26

Noah Anderson - 25

Marcus Bontempelli - 25

Caleb Serong - 25

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera - 23

Max Gawn - 23

Patrick Cripps: 2024 AFL Brownlow Medal Winner

 

CARLTON captain Patrick Cripps has won the 2024 Brownlow Medal with a record tally, becoming the 17th player in VFL/AFL history to win the prestigious award multiple times after adding to his 2022 triumph in an historic count on Monday night.

Cripps, who was in the medal-winning position from round six, polled an incredible 45 votes to win from Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos on 38, with the Magpies' brilliant onballer also breaking the previous record of 36.

Cripps was confirmed as the winner at round 21, polling three votes against Collingwood to ensure he could not be passed. When Daicos polled two votes in round 22, Cripps was declared the outright winner with two rounds to go.

It was an historic night as Carlton's inspirational leader smashed through the 40-vote mark and broke the previous record jointly held by Port Adelaide midfielder Ollie Wines (2021) and Richmond champion and 2017 winner Dustin Martin.

Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters (29, Fremantle vice-captain Caleb Serong (28), and Greater Western Sydney midfielder Tom Green (27) rounded out the top five, with Sydney's ineligible superstar Isaac Heeney polling 28 votes.

It was Cripps who always had their measure, however, after establishing an eight-vote lead at round 16 and leaning on a strong finish to the season to see off the charging Daicos, who polled in a record 10 consecutive games from round eight to 18. 

Cripps joined champion midfielders Chris Judd and Greg Williams as dual medallists to have represented Carlton, but he became the first to win two Brownlow Medals as a Blue.

The crowning night capped off an outstanding season for the 29-year-old, who played every game and averaged 28.8 disposals, 8.0 clearances, 15.7 contested possessions, and 4.8 inside 50s, earning All Australian selection for the fourth time.

The 29-year-old accepted his medal from coach and 2006 winner Michael Voss and spoke about growing up in Northampton in Western Australia, looking up to West Coast superstars Ben Cousins and Chris Judd and dreaming of joining them as a Brownlow Medal winner.

"They probably inspired me to chase my dream, and now I'm in a position to inspire other young kids, and I don't take that lightly," Cripps said.

"I'm just someone who wants to chase my dreams and I love doing it. Now I know the impact I've had on young kids coming through, it's pretty special.

"All kids out there, or anyone in general, if you get after it in life and have a dream and work hard at it, you can do amazing things. Life is short, so get after it."

Cripps also paid tribute to the support of his wife Monique after the couple became parents to daughter Koda this year, with the midfielder happy and settled off the field in his 11th season.

He said his parents, Brad and Cath, had instilled great values in him that he carried still after being drafted with pick No.13 in the 2013 National Draft.

Last year's medallist Lachie Neale was considered a contender to go back-to-back but never got on a roll, finishing on 22 votes as he prepares for Saturday's Grand Final.

Heeney, who was ineligible to win after being suspended for striking in round 17, was atop the leaderboard for five weeks during the first half of the season but only polled seven votes after round 10.

Heeney and well ahead of Daicos (four) and Neale (two), who were expected to start slowly.

Daicos was entering a five-game block of outstanding form, however, and emerged with 13 of a possible 15 votes, rising to third with 17 votes to put himself back in the race.

Cripps was shaping as unstoppable, however, having kept his tally ticking over with three best afield matches to secure an outright lead after round 12 with 22 votes.

He was never headed from there, polling the maximum three votes six more times in the last 10 games to win in commanding style.

2024 Brownlow Medal, Top 10

Patrick Cripps - 45

Nick Daicos - 38

Zak Butters - 29

Caleb Serong - 28

Isaac Heeney* - 28

Tom Green - 27

Adam Treloar - 26

Errol Gulden - 25

Matt Rowell - 25

Jai Newcombe - 24

Lachie Neale: 2023 AFL Brownlow Medal Winner

STAR Brisbane midfielder Lachie Neale has won the 2023 Brownlow Medal, becoming just the 16th player in VFL/AFL history to win the prestigious award multiple times after prevailing in a thrilling count on Monday night.

Neale, who won the 2020 Brownlow Medal in a dominant season and will be playing to win his first premiership in Saturday's Grand Final, polled 31 votes to win from Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli on 29.

The brilliant onballer was confirmed as the winner only after collecting three votes in the final round of the season, with five players entering round 24 as winning chances.

Collingwood star Nick Daicos (28 votes) finished third after entering the final round level with Neale, with Sydney wingman Errol Gulden (27), Port Adelaide star Zak Butters (27), and Melbourne Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca narrowly behind on 26.

It was Neale who surpassed them all, however, after saving his seventh best on ground performance until the final round of the year, receiving his Medal in Brisbane as he prepares for Saturday's Grand Final.

Neale joined club great's Jason Akermanis (2001) and Simon Black (2002) in winning the Brownlow Medal during the week of a Grand Final appearance, with Michael Voss (1996) making it five Medals in total for Brisbane. 

The former Docker, who joins ex-teammate Nat Fyfe as a dual winner, was rewarded for a season in which he averaged 27.4 disposals across 23 home-and-away games, averaging 8.1 clearances as one of the game's stoppage specialists.

It was a different season for Neale compared to his 2020 win, which also saw him poll 31 votes but instead win by a massive 10 votes from runner-up Travis Boak, also collecting the AFL Players Association MVP and AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year.

The ball-winner, who was runner-up to Patrick Cripps last year, was caught by surprise as he emerged as a winning threat through the evening.

He was the first player to win the most prestigious individual award without being named in the All-Australian team since West Coast midfielder Matt Priddis in 2014.

"It doesn't sit very well at the moment. I'm sure it will sink in at a later date. I'm pretty rattled to be honest," Neale said after being presented with his Medal by coach Chris Fagan at a function with teammates in Brisbane.

"I did not expect this, and to be amongst some of those names that have won two is unbelievable. To be in Brisbane, preparing for a Grand Final, is amazing. I haven't been involved in this week for a decade, so I'm excited."

It was heartbreak for Bontempelli, who was also runner-up in 2021. Daicos, meanwhile, led the count for seven weeks after round 17 but couldn't hold on.

The young Magpies star, in just his second season, was the pre-count favourite and made a fast start as expected, polling 13 votes to lead after six rounds with three early best-on-ground performances.

His votes dried up over the next four rounds, however, with the midfielder overlooked for votes in some of the bigger performances of his season, including a 41-disposal game against Greater Western Sydney in round nine.

Petracca and Neale instead made a run and jockeyed at the top of the leaderboard through the middle stages, with Neale taking the lead back for a three-week run after round 14.

Gold Coast midfielder Noah Anderson was the surprise vote-getter, sitting as high as equal second after 15 rounds following his fifth best-on-ground performance and remaining in striking distance thereafter.

The leading contenders all pressed with big games in round 16, with Daicos collecting his second consecutive set of three votes to move into second place on the leaderboard, just one vote behind Neale.

The 20-year-old continued to surge in a stunning run of post-bye form and took the outright lead in round 17 during a run of four consecutive best-on-ground performances.

Daicos had a battle on his hands knowing injury would strike early in the round 21 clash against Hawthorn, but he held the lead all the way to the final round of the season.

BROWNLOW MEDAL 2023 LEADERBOARD

1. Lachie Neale (Brisbane Lions) – 31

2. Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs) – 29

3. Nick Daicos (Collingwood) – 28

=4. Zak Butters (Port Adelaide), Errol Gulden (Sydney Swans) – 27

6. Christian Petracca (Melbourne) – 26

=7. Caleb Serong (Fremantle), Jack Viney (Melbourne) – 24

=9. Noah Anderson (Gold Coast Suns), Patrick Cripps (Carlton) – 22

Ollie Wines: 2021 AFL Brownlow Medal Winner

BRILLIANT midfielder Ollie Wines has become the first Brownlow medallist in Port Adelaide’s history, winning a record-breaking count at Perth's Optus Stadium on Sunday night.

The star onballer powered home to poll a record-equalling 36 votes to be crowned the League’s best and fairest player in 2021, edging Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli (33).

The 26-year-old from Echuca equalled Dustin Martin's 2017 record for the most votes polled under the 3-2-1 system, after a career-best season leading the Power midfield.

Wines polled in a record 16 games and stormed home with votes in 11 of the last 12 rounds, taking the lead from Bontempelli after round 22.

He sealed the game's highest individual honour when he polled two votes to Bontempelli's nil in the Power's round 23 win over the Bulldogs. 

It was an historic count in several ways, with a record four players polling 30 or more votes after Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver finished third with 33 and Carlton's Sam Walsh tallied 30 in fourth.

A "numb" Wines paid tribute to his teammates and club for making the award possible and said he hoped he could inspire young country kids to chase their dreams as he had.

Recruited with pick No.7 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, he said the key to taking his game to a new level in 2021 had been focusing on his strengths, rather than trying to be something he is not.

"I probably accepted my role a little bit and understood I wasn't going to be the silky smooth mid who carved up outside the contest," Wines said.

"All Ken (Hinkley) needed from me was to put my head over the ball inside and dish it out to the guys on the outside, who are the creative, more talented players.

"I don't think I've got a lot of talent, but as my Mum said, I'm a bit of a stayer and will stick it tough to the end and grind it out.

"Once I simplified my game a little bit more, everything clicked from there."

2021 Brownlow Medal Top 10

1. Ollie Wines (PA) - 36 votes

2. Marcus Bontempelli (WB) - 33

3. Clayton Oliver (Melb) - 31

4. Sam Walsh (Carl) - 30

=5. Darcy Parish (Ess) - 26

=5. Jack Steele (StK) - 26

=7. Travis Boak (PA) - 25

=7. Tom Mitchell (Haw) - 25

=9. Jarryd Lyons (BL) - 23

=9. Christian Petracca (Melb) - 23

Dustin Martin: 2017 AFL Brownlow Medal Winner

RICHMOND superstar Dustin Martin has lived up to his unbackable pre-count billing by claiming a record-breaking Brownlow Medal victory at Crown Palladium on Monday night.

Martin, the shortest-priced favourite in history at $1.03, polled a record 36 votes – excluding 1976-77, when two umpires awarded separate votes – to win by 11 from Hawk Tom Mitchell (25) and Sydney's Josh Kennedy (23).


The 26-year-old had a share of the award by round 21 and could not be beaten a round later, when he already had 30 votes to his name.

Martin's 11th set of three votes in the final round saw him break reigning winner Patrick Dangerfield's record haul of 35 votes from last year.

It also gave him the most three-vote performances in Brownlow history, passing the nine best-on-grounds polled by Greg Williams (1994), Nat Fyfe (2015) and Dangerfield (2016).

"It's a pretty surreal position to be in, obviously getting the (Brownlow) Medal and being in a Grand Final, so it's pretty awesome," Martin said.

"Ever since back in the day I knew this (playing in the AFL) was all I ever wanted to do, so I put everything into it and I'm glad it's paying off.

"Every year you learn new things in the game; whether it be better diet or a bit more cross-training or a bit of meditation here and there – finding new things to make you better."

The player who went 2,877 days between Brownlow votes

But Dangerfield's ineligible status was the elephant in the room. His round 19 suspension for a dangerous tackle on Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer spoiled what could have been a spectacular race.



There were murmurs when Dangerfield shot four votes ahead of Martin on the back of 22 votes in an extraordinary eight-game stretch between rounds nine and 17. The champion Cat finished with 33 votes.

"He is a champion, Paddy. I have great respect for him, but it would have been a bit awkward if he beat me … so it's a bit of a relief there's no awkwardness," Martin said.

10 talking points: Dusty opens up, Mark of the Year shock, unloved Cat

Martin's ability to block out the constant discussion about his dominance and, until recently, his out-of-contract status remains part of the fascination about him as a footballer and person.

But the man himself says it's a cinch.

"As soon as I get into the footy club, and out there on the 'G, all I'm thinking about is footy. The rest is just noise," he said.

"I've probably just got to deal with (the attention) and cop it. I don't spend too much time thinking about it – I'm just here to play footy.

"It will just be business as usual tomorrow when I get into the club, and for the rest of the week. Hopefully we can celebrate with a premiership this week."

Martin hailed Tigers captain and former housemate Trent Cotchin's impact on his life, as well as his rockstar manager Ralph Carr and coaches Damien Hardwick, Blake Caracella and Andrew McQualter.

Ex-Richmond assistants Wayne Campbell and Mark Williams also scored a mention.

The winning margin, which beat fellow Tiger and dual Brownlow medallist Roy Wright's 10-vote triumph in 1954, gave weight to Hall of Famer Leigh Matthews' claim Martin's was the best individual season ever.

Martin's night began in perfect fashion, receiving maximum votes in Richmond's season opener for his 33 disposals, six clearances, six inside 50s and four goals against Carlton.

But he took an early backseat to fast-starting Crow Rory Sloane, who had 12 votes through six rounds. Sloane managed only eight more.

Martin rocketed into the outright lead for the first time in round 11 with the fifth of his 11 three-vote performances, and from there his greatest opponent was history.



He polled in 14 of his 22 games to break Dangerfield's overall tally of 35 from last year. Dangerfield polled in 15 matches in 2016, relegating Martin to third.

Martin is bidding to be the 14th player to achieve the Brownlow-premiership double in the same season, with the Tigers playing in their first Grand Final in 35 years on Saturday against Adelaide.

The boy from Castlemaine averaged 30.2 disposals, kicked 32 goals and ranked first in the AFL in inside 50s, centre clearances and broken tackles and third in contested possessions.

Martin ended months of speculation when he signed a new seven-year deal, reportedly worth between $1.2 and $1.3 million a season, on finals eve to remain at Punt Rd.

"It was certainly stressful," he said of his contract saga.

"By the end of it, I was sick of everyone talking about it, sick of my ugly face being in the paper every day. Ralph was great to me.

"I pretty much lived at his house towards the end, I'm just glad it got done."

2017 Brownlow Medal top 10

36 - Dustin Martin (Rich)
33 - Patrick Dangerfield (Geel) *
25 - Tom Mitchell (Haw)
23 - Josh Kennedy (Syd)
22 - Lance Franklin (Syd)
21 - Josh Kelly (GWS)
20 - Rory Sloane (Adel)
19 - Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
18 - Ollie Wines (PA)
17 - Dayne Beams (BL)

* ineligible

Dustin Martin's stellar season

Brownlow medallist
AFL Players Association MVP
AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year
Player of the Year: Herald Sun, SEN, 3AW
11 three-vote games (R1 v Carlton, R3 v West Coast, R9 v Greater Western Sydney, R10 v Essendon, R11 v North Melbourne, R15 v Port Adelaide, R17 v Brisbane Lions, R18 v Greater Western Sydney, R19 v Gold Coast, R22 v Fremantle, R23 v St Kilda)
Averaged 30 disposals, 14 contested possessions, six clearances, six inside-50s, four tackles and a goal each game
Set new AFL record for most broken tackles (68) and tied record for most in a single game (seven in round 15 win over Port Adelaide)
Achieved career-high clearances (15 in round three win over West Coast) and inside 50s (12 in round 17 win over Brisbane)
Most inside 50s this season (147 at six per game)
Third-most contested possessions this season (340) behind leader Patrick Dangerfield
Fourth-most disposals this season (715) behind leader Matt Crouch
Fourth-most clearances this season (155) behind leader Patrick Dangerfield.

Patrick Dangerfield: 2016 AFL Brownlow Medal Winner

GEELONG superstar Patrick Dangerfield has capped his glittering season with the most prestigious individual award of all, breaking records to win the 2016 Brownlow Medal.  

Dangerfield polled a record 35 votes to win from Sydney Swans midfielder Luke Parker (26) and Richmond star Dustin Martin (25), breaking away in a thrilling finish at Crown Palladium.

The 26-year-old had a four-vote lead going into round 22 and he sealed the win with two votes against the Brisbane Lions, taking his total to an unassailable 32.

To underline the greatness of his season, he polled three votes in round 23 to finish on a record total, surpassing Collingwood winner Dane Swan's 34 votes from 2011.

His margin of nine votes was also a record dating back to 1977 when both field umpires awarded 3-2-1 votes. Gary Ablett's eight-vote win in 2009 was the previous highest.

Dangerfield also polled in 15 games to set a new mark and matched the record nine best on grounds set by 1994 winner Greg Williams and matched by Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe last year.

Ineligible Adelaide star Rory Sloane polled 24 votes to finish fourth having sat as high as second after 20 rounds.

Favourite to win the award since round one, Dangerfield said the past three days had been an emotional rollercoaster after bowing out with unfinished business in a preliminary final.

Still bitter at that loss, the enormity of the Brownlow Medal only became clear to him Monday night when watching a tribute to late Cats great and 1989 winner Paul Couch.

"You think of the past players to win the medal and what it actually means," Dangerfield said.

"It didn't hit me until halfway through the night with the scenes of Paul Couch and the older Geelong players talking about him.

"My mind is racing now, as is my heart, so it's hard to articulate it properly, but it's something I'll look back on with great pride."

Dangerfield paid tribute to Adelaide, his football home for eight seasons, with former teammate Eddie Betts watching on during his press conference.

He said moving to Geelong in 2016 and playing alongside captain Joel Selwood had helped him become a better player.  

"His will and desire to be better and to stand up in the big moments, I've learned so much from him and from so many other players at the club," he said.  

"Moving back (to Geelong), all of a sudden there are no question marks around next season … it's home and it's home for good.

"All you have to worry about is footy and that life balance that I think is really important is easy to find and easy to achieve."

Parker was the early bolter, racing to the lead with 13 votes after six rounds and giving the assembled Swans at a function at the SCG reason to cheer.

Dangerfield hit the front for the first time in round seven, polling three votes to take his tally to 14, but consecutive voteless games saw Parker regain the lead on 15 votes in round nine as the pair jostled.

After round 11, Swans midfielder Dan Hannebery moved into equal second with Dangerfield on 14 votes, with the Geelong superstar going four straight matches without polling.

He was back on the board – and back in the lead – with three votes in round 12 for the best game of his season, amassing 48 possessions, 13 clearances, 11 inside 50s and two goals against North Melbourne.

Parker proved hard to shake, however, and the pair was tied on 20 votes at the end of the bye rounds in round 15, setting up a showdown in the last eight weeks of the season.

In other awards, Eddie Betts won Goal of the Year for the second straight season for his brilliant right-foot snap on the boundary against Greater Western Sydney in round 10.

North Melbourne's Majak Daw won Mark of the Year for his soaring grab against Collingwood in round 18, edging out Essendon forward Joe Daniher.  

Geelong champion Jimmy Bartel took home the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for his work campaigning against domestic violence in 2016.

Top 10: 2016 Brownlow Medal

35 - Patrick Dangerfield (Geel)
26 - Luke Parker (Syd)
25 - Dustin Martin (Rich)
24* - Rory Sloane (Adel)
21 - Andrew Gaff (WCE)
21 - Dan Hannebery (Syd)
21 - Adam Treloar (Coll)
20 - Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
20 - Lachie Neale (Frem)
19 - Robbie Gray (PA)
19 - Zach Merrett (Ess)
19 - Nick Riewoldt (StK)

Patrick Dangerfield's stellar season

* First man since Gary Ablett Jr in 2009 to be voted as the game's best player by umpires, players and coaches
* Brownlow Medallist
* AFL Players Association MVP
* AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year
* Player of the Year: The Age, Herald Sun, ABC, SEN, 3AW, Channel Nine
* Nine three-vote games (R1 v Hawthorn, R3 v Brisbane, R6 v Gold Coast, R7 v Melbourne, R12 v North Melbourne, R13 v Western Bulldogs, R17 v Fremantle, R19 v Western Bulldogs, R23 v Melbourne)
* Averaged 32 disposals, five marks, five tackles and a goal each game
* Set new AFL record for most inside 50s (194) and tied record for most in a single game (16 in round 23 win over Melbourne)
* Most possessions in a single game this season (48 in round 12 win over North Melbourne)
* Second-most possessions this season (762) behind Daniel Hannebery
* Second-most contested possessions this season (388) behind Josh P. Kennedy
* Fourth-most clearances this season (159) behind leader Josh P. Kennedy