Perhaps the favourite hobby of football fans the day after a Brownlow Medal count is dissecting who missed out on votes.
With so many close games throughout 2013, North Melbourne’s vote count had a larger scope for variance than most other teams.
NMFC.com.au looks at some of the more debated games, and encourages you to have your say in the polls.
Round 9 v Adelaide
3. Patrick Dangerfield (ADEL)
2. Sam Kerridge (ADEL)
1. Jack Ziebell (NM)
Considering North was in control of the game for the majority of the afternoon, there were many strong performers, none more so than Lindsay Thomas who kicked five goals.
In addition to his five goals, Thomas set up two more, collected 11 possessions and took four marks inside the forward 50.
Thomas was unlucky throughout the night, only polling two total votes, despite seven games with four or more goals.
Round 10 v St Kilda
3. Todd Goldstein (NM)
2. Drew Petrie (NM)
1. Brent Harvey (NM)
In a 68-point victory, there will naturally be plenty of contenders for the votes. However, Aaron Black could consider himself a little more unlucky than others.
Amassing 17 possessions, kicking five goals and taking six marks inside forward 50, he was arguably the critical player in North’s first half dominance.
However, would you have had him replace either Goldstein (19 disposals, 48 hit-outs), Petrie (22 disposals, 4 goals) or the 350-gamer in Harvey (23 disposals, 4 goals)?
Round 15 v Richmond
3. Andrew Swallow (NM)
2. Scott Thompson (NM)
1. Leigh Adams (NM)
Lachlan Hansen polled a perfect 10 in the coaches votes from Round 15, with Tigers’ coach Damien Hardwick later admitting he was a big part of their pre-game plans.
He pulled 15 marks (6 intercept) to go with his 19 disposals. Considering Scott Thompson kept Jack Riewoldt goalless until the final minutes and Leigh Adams collected a game-high 29 disposals, they seem safe. Meanwhile the captain seemed a little surprised when he polled three, but with 26 disposals and six clearances he was by no means quiet.
Round 18 v Melbourne
3. Ben Cunnington (NM)
2. Todd Goldstein (NM)
1. Brent Harvey (NM)
It’s often the clean sweep of votes that offers the most discussion. Against Melbourne, Ryan Bastinac collected 20 disposals and kicked a game-high four goals, but didn’t receive a vote.
Again, much like Black, it would be hard for Bastinac to displace either Harvey (35 disposals, 1 goal), Goldstein (20 disposals, 49 hit-outs, 2 goals) or Cunnington (34 disposals, 9 clearances), who was a clear standout on the day.
Round 19 v Geelong
3. Brent Harvey (NM)
2. Steve Johnson (GEE)
1. Daniel Wells (NM)
Hansen was immense against Geelong, collecting 30 possessions to go with 10 marks.
Daniel Wells deserved his vote for 18 disposals and 4 goals, which leaves Steve Johnson’s two in the crosshairs for Hansen.
Did we miss any? Have your say on other games in the comments below.
