Rate the Norm Smith Medallists (2000-2015)
This is a pretty simple venture; rate the Norm Smith performances of the last 15 years. I started at 2000 only because this is when I remember watching and taking notice of Grand Final performances, feel free to add extra years.
The Norm Smith is an interesting medal, and not all are created equal. Some matches are fizzers when a truly brilliant performance is hard to find, whilst some are epic performances befitting the occasion.
Here is my list.
1. Lenny Hayes (2010)
An astonishing 12 tackles, 32 disposals and 1 epic goal on tiring legs in the last quarter. This was the epitome of trying to drag your side over the line. Amazingly, I thought Goddard was even better. Supercoach ranking of 174, which was coincidentally the same amount he got in replay.
2. Paul Chapman (2009)
Didn’t just kick the sealer, scored a quarter of his teams goals in a low scoring affair.
3. Jimmy Bartel (2011)
This wasn’t so much about sustained excellence throughout a tough contest, but making the most of opportunities. Was brilliant when the Cats needed him most when the game seemed like it was slipping.
4. Chris Judd (2005)
Game high disposals, but more the manner in which he got them. Clearly the Eagles best.
5. Nathan Buckley (2002)
Would be rated higher obviously with a Pie victory, and also I thought Voss got the better of him the final 15 minutes. Epic performance though.
6. Luke Hodge (2008)
Was brilliant all day and was the catalyst for the famous victory. Would have had higher, but I thought had the Cats got 2 goals closer, Ablett would have got the medal.
7. Simon Black (2003)
Amazing performance in a very, very dull Grand Final. Clearly the best on ground getting 39 disposals, which is a Grand Final record.
8. Andrew Embley (2006)
Underrated Grand Final and underrated performance. 2 goals and 26 disposals and featured in some key moments in a thrilling game.
9. Ryan O’Keefe (2012)
Could have made an argument for a number of players, but 15 tackles and 29 disposals in a close Grand Final is a terrific performance in anyone’s book.
10.James Hird (2000)
Didn’t do a great deal, and in my opinion Barnard would have got the medal had he spent more time on the ground. In a game he simply had to perform though, he was certainly in the top few.
11.Byron Pickett (2004)
Consistent all game and added a tough edge against the experienced Lions. Burgoyne best for mine.
12.Steve Johnson (2007)
Your team wins by 20 goals, the medal could go to any number. I think Scarlett was the best for what it’s worth.
13.Shaun Hart (2001)
Solid performance is what can be said about this one. Bombers seemed to put more effort into his more well known team mates.
14.Brian Lake (2013)
Had a lot of intercept marks when Dockers were making a bit of a run, but again their were several better on the day. Lewis especially robbed.
15.Luke Hodge (2014)
Did everything required, which wasn’t actually that much considering the pea hearted Swans performance.
16.Cyril Rioli (2015)
Set the Hawks up with 2 excellent goals early, but not a great deal after that. At least 4 Hawks clearly better on the day.
17.Scott Pendlbury (2010)
Could throw a blanket over half a dozen Pies on this day. Not that he was bad, just didn’t really do that much, and didn’t need to. Supercoach ranking of 87.
This is a pretty simple venture; rate the Norm Smith performances of the last 15 years. I started at 2000 only because this is when I remember watching and taking notice of Grand Final performances, feel free to add extra years.
The Norm Smith is an interesting medal, and not all are created equal. Some matches are fizzers when a truly brilliant performance is hard to find, whilst some are epic performances befitting the occasion.
Here is my list.
1. Lenny Hayes (2010)
An astonishing 12 tackles, 32 disposals and 1 epic goal on tiring legs in the last quarter. This was the epitome of trying to drag your side over the line. Amazingly, I thought Goddard was even better. Supercoach ranking of 174, which was coincidentally the same amount he got in replay.
2. Paul Chapman (2009)
Didn’t just kick the sealer, scored a quarter of his teams goals in a low scoring affair.
3. Jimmy Bartel (2011)
This wasn’t so much about sustained excellence throughout a tough contest, but making the most of opportunities. Was brilliant when the Cats needed him most when the game seemed like it was slipping.
4. Chris Judd (2005)
Game high disposals, but more the manner in which he got them. Clearly the Eagles best.
5. Nathan Buckley (2002)
Would be rated higher obviously with a Pie victory, and also I thought Voss got the better of him the final 15 minutes. Epic performance though.
6. Luke Hodge (2008)
Was brilliant all day and was the catalyst for the famous victory. Would have had higher, but I thought had the Cats got 2 goals closer, Ablett would have got the medal.
7. Simon Black (2003)
Amazing performance in a very, very dull Grand Final. Clearly the best on ground getting 39 disposals, which is a Grand Final record.
8. Andrew Embley (2006)
Underrated Grand Final and underrated performance. 2 goals and 26 disposals and featured in some key moments in a thrilling game.
9. Ryan O’Keefe (2012)
Could have made an argument for a number of players, but 15 tackles and 29 disposals in a close Grand Final is a terrific performance in anyone’s book.
10.James Hird (2000)
Didn’t do a great deal, and in my opinion Barnard would have got the medal had he spent more time on the ground. In a game he simply had to perform though, he was certainly in the top few.
11.Byron Pickett (2004)
Consistent all game and added a tough edge against the experienced Lions. Burgoyne best for mine.
12.Steve Johnson (2007)
Your team wins by 20 goals, the medal could go to any number. I think Scarlett was the best for what it’s worth.
13.Shaun Hart (2001)
Solid performance is what can be said about this one. Bombers seemed to put more effort into his more well known team mates.
14.Brian Lake (2013)
Had a lot of intercept marks when Dockers were making a bit of a run, but again their were several better on the day. Lewis especially robbed.
15.Luke Hodge (2014)
Did everything required, which wasn’t actually that much considering the pea hearted Swans performance.
16.Cyril Rioli (2015)
Set the Hawks up with 2 excellent goals early, but not a great deal after that. At least 4 Hawks clearly better on the day.
17.Scott Pendlbury (2010)
Could throw a blanket over half a dozen Pies on this day. Not that he was bad, just didn’t really do that much, and didn’t need to. Supercoach ranking of 87.