How the umpires solved the AFL’s awkward little problem

A ROUND 22 snub of Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield by the umpires allowed the AFL to avoid an “awkward” moment as Dustin Martin scored an outright win in last night’s Brownlow count.

Dangerfield, who was ineligible for the award, recorded 32 disposals and kicked two goals for a total of 146 SuperCoach points, lifting the Cats to an 11-point victory against Collingwood at the MCG. However, the umpires did not deem his game worthy of even one vote.

Teammates Mitch Duncan (three votes) and Sam Menegola (two ) were joined by Magpie Taylor Adams (one vote) as the best players in their eyes.

Dangerfield had led Martin by four votes at Round 17 and still had a onevote lead at Round 21. However, two best-on-ground performances from Martin in the final two rounds meant he won the award outright with 36 votes — three ahead of Dangerfield — after starting the night as the shortest-priced favourite in history.

The AFL had feared a disaster when the briefcases were unlocked and the votes were counted ever since its match review panel rubbed Dangerfield out for Round 20.

But in the end the dangerous tackle charge — which the Cats chose not to challenge — only cost Dangerfield a week on the sidelines, not a second Brownlow. After playing 93 straight games, Dangerfield missed Round 20, but it took little shine off what was another stunning season.