The AFL has become used to upheaval and change surrounding its marquee events in recent years, and 2022 has proven no different.
The Brownlow Medal has again been moved from its traditional time, but will otherwise look much more like the nights of old.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Brownlow Medal count.
When is the Brownlow Medal in 2022?
The 2022 Brownlow Medal count will be held on Sunday, September 18. It will begin at 7pm AEST.
The AFL made the decision to move the ceremony from the traditional Monday to Sunday to avoid a clash with Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
Where will the count be held?
The ceremony will return to Crown Palladium in Melbourne, and players from interstate will be able to travel in for the evening.
This is a change from recent years, in which teams have held events in their own states to avoid COVID travel restrictions.
How can I watch the event?
The event will be broadcast live on Channel Seven from 7pm AEST.
You can also follow the count with ABC Sport’s live blog on the night.
Who are the favourites to win?
This year’s Brownlow is difficult to pick, although Brisbane midfielder and 2020 winner Lachie Neale is the current favourite.
Also thought to be in the running are Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw, Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver, Gold Coast’s Touk Miller and Carlton’s Patrick Cripps.
An entertaining and even count is expected.
How does the Brownlow work?
In each game of the regular season, umpires award votes to the three best players on the field.
The best player is given three points, the second best two points and the third best one point.
The votes are kept secret, and are revealed on a round-by-round basis at the ceremony.
The player who ends with the most votes at the end of the season is crowned the Brownlow Medal winner.
The award is for the fairest and best players, so those who have been suspended for a week or more during the season are ineligible.
A total of 24 players across the 18 teams have been served a ban this year.
In the event of a tie, the Brownlow can be shared, as was the case in 2012 when Sam Mitchell and Trent Cotchin shared the medal.
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
