Majority of AFL fans back in umpires to award the Brownlow Medal despite recent criticism

The majority of AFL fans are happy with the Brownlow Medal exactly how it is, despite criticisms of multiple aspects growing in recent years.

The results from SEN’s AFL Fan Survey are beginning to pour in, with thousands having their say.

And there’s still time to vote and add your thoughts!

The Brownlow Medal has come under fire in recent years, with many questioning whether umpires should be the ones giving out the votes.

Patrick Cripps and Nick Daicos both broke the record for most total votes in 2024, while some voting decisions had to be seen to be believed.

Daicos even polled a vote in a game where he was substituted out with 15 disposals, while his brother had 34 and received seven coaches votes.

Meanwhile the umpires continue to snub Marcus Bontempelli on Brownlow night and Jasmine Garner on AFLW B&F night for whatever reason.

However, a marginal majority of AFL fans want to see the tradition remain, with 55.1% of respondents saying the voting should remain in the umpires’ hands. Naturally 44.9% of respondents voted the other way.

The other talking point in recent years has been ineligibility.

As the threshold for a one-game suspension has lowered over the years to increase the safety of the game and punish players for causing concussions, many have called for Brownlow eligibility to also adapt with the times.

2024 saw early-season favourite Isaac Heeney made ineligible for the top award because of a one-game ban.

Brisbane great Jonathan Brown was amongst those calling for an adjustment.

“The ‘fairest’ is a great aspect of the Brownlow, but it hasn’t moved with the times,” Brown told SEN in July.

“If we went through it retrospectively, I’m sure there would be about 30 of the Brownlow winners wouldn’t have won their Brownlow Medal under today’s current rules.

“Surely, we have to move with the times as well.”

Once again however, our survey respondents are happy with the rules the way they currently exist.

58.5 per cent of voters said no, suspended AFL players should not remain eligible in Brownlow Medal voting.

The AFL has already announced it will not be changing any rules for the 2025 Brownlow Medal.

“The Brownlow Medal's been around for 100 years ... we've got no plans to change the 3-2-1 (system) and we've got no plans to change the umpires awarding the fairest and best player,” AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said following Cripps’ 2024 crowning.

“We trust our umpires implicitly. They are professional, elite athletes (and) incredible decision-makers.”