Sport: Australian Football Category: Coaching

Umpires and coaches differ on voting 23 times during Brownlow count

AFL • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 21, 2026, 1:43 PM

Last updated Sep 21, 2026

Umpires and coaches differ on voting 23 times during Brownlow count

Summary

The 2026 Brownlow Medal count witnessed unexpected discrepancies between umpires and coaches, marking 23 notable instances of differing votes. Collingwood's Nick Daicos secured a record 47 votes, winning by 11, while multiple players received contrasting votes. Unlike previous years, the number of disagreements decreased from 34 and 35 in 2025 and 2024 respectively. Significant performances not recognized by umpires included Jai Newcombe’s 15-clearance game against GWS and contributions from players like Sam Walsh and Harry Sheezel, who excelled yet received no Brownlow votes. This year, umpires had access to statistics for the first time, potentially influencing their choices.

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AFL

Key Details

•Nick Daicos wins 2026 Brownlow Medal with a record 47 votes.
•23 instances noted where umpires and coaches disagreed on player voting.
•Significant performances included Jai Newcombe’s game with 15 clearances, earning no votes.
•Umpires accessed statistics for the first time this year, affecting voting.
•Discrepancies decreased from 34 in previous years, indicating a shift in voting alignment.

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