Brownlow Medal 2023: AFL world erupts over voting after Lachie Neale’s shock win

The grand final week has already provided plenty of drama as Lachie Neale took a shock win in last night’s Brownlow medal count, edging out Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli to become a two-time winner for the Brisbane Lions.

The former Fremantle midfielder, who was paying $13 heading into the count, claimed the medal with 31 votes, two ahead of Bontempelli, with pre-count favourite Nick Daicos taking third on 28.

It caps off a remarkable run with Neale finishing in the top three of the Brownlow count in four of his five seasons at Brisbane.

But last night’s win had some up in arms about how he managed to get those 31 votes.

In such a close count where every vote mattered, a round-six game against GWS was the most puzzling.

Of the eight players awarded coach votes in that game, Neale was not among them, with Charlie Cameron awarded best on the ground for his seven-goal haul.

But that oversight was just the tip of the iceberg.

On a staggering 19 occasions this season, players were awarded the maximum 10 votes by the coaches for their AFL Coaches Association MVP award, yet didn’t receive a single Brownlow vote for the same performance.

It was reflected in the coaches award, with Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters taking out the honour, with Neale settling for fifth.

But Neale wasn’t the only one to receive some puzzling votes.

In round 14 against Geelong, Port Adelaide’s Jason Horne-Francis had 13 disposals, committing seven turnovers and one tackle, finishing with just 34 AFL fantasy points, the equal seventh lowest on the ground.

He was awarded three votes.

The massive miss by the umpires was attacked by several former players on social media, including Collingwood Brownlow medallist Dane Swan.

“The AFL need to record the umpires in the rooms after a game talking about who they are voting for,” Swan posted.

“Cause I’d love to know how the f**k they made some of the decisions they made this year. And you’d get full transparency, so we know no funny business was going on.”

Among the other howlers were three votes given to Sydney’s Joel Amartey in Round 2 despite being subbed out just after halftime, and retired Essendon ruckman Andrew Phillips three votes in Gather Round.

Swans star Errol Gulden poled just one vote in round 24 after 42 disposals and two goals.

Former Brisbane and Port player Tom Rockliff was equally confused about the umpire’s choices, given four whistleblowers on the field were seeing in the game.

“If one thing has become clear tonight, it’s that the umpires can no longer do the Brownlow medal,” Rockliff posted.

“Some of these votes are insane.”

Camera IconLachie Neale surprised himself and the AFL with his win. Credit: Albert Perez/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Even Neale conceded he was shocked by his win.

“I’m pretty rattled at the moment … I didn’t expect this,” he said after putting the medal around his neck.

“To be among those who have won two, I didn’t expect this.”

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