The Best Norm Smith Performances in the AFL
By
Will Brown
Contributor Updated: 27 August 2024
Will Brown Contributor
William Brown is a Content Writer with strong expertise in US and global gambling industry trends. Having covered the local sports betting market since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, William approaches his gambling guides with passion and diligence. He is a keen player of online slots, blackjack, and a regular sports bettor.
The Best Norm Smith Performances
Every year, the best player in the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final is awarded a Norm Smith medal for their outstanding achievements. In this guide to the best Norm Smith performances, we’ve taken a broad look at the standout performers since the award was first established. With this knowledge, you could place an informed future bet on the winner of the Norm Smith before the 2024 Grand Final is played in September.
Intro to the Top AFL Grand Final Performances
We understand that many of our readers will be unfamiliar with the intricacies of Australian rules football. This is why we’ve kicked off these top AFL Grand Final performances by explaining the Norm Smith medal itself and how it is decided.
From there, we’ve highlighted the top 10 players and their most memorable achievements while winning the award. Several of these players are still in the competition, so you’ll want to keep their names in your mind when checking out sportsbook apps with AFL odds.
- What is the Norm Smith Medal?
- Intro to the Top Performers
- Dustin Martin (Richmond)
- Andrew McLeod (Adelaide)
- Luke Hodge (Hawthorn)
- Gary Ayres (Hawthorn)
- Simon Black (Brisbane)
- James Hird (Essendon)
- Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn)
- Peter Matera (West Coast Eagles)
- Steve Johnson (Geelong)
- Gary Ablett Sr. (Cats)
Judging the Best Grand Final Player: What is the Norm Smith Medal?
The Norm Smith Medal was first awarded in 1979 and is considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the AFL. It was named after Norm Smith, a player who competed in 200 games with Melbourne and Fitzroy before embarking on a 20-year coaching career. He remains one of the most influential coaches in the sport’s history.
Unlike awards that acknowledge a season-long achievement of a team or player, the Norm Smith is solely focused on the best Grand Final player performances. It is decided by a panel of five experts, which include former players, coaches, and media pundits. Each member awards three votes for the best player, two for the second-best, and one for the third-best.
The player with the most votes is declared the winner. The award is presented in a post-match ceremony, with votes submitted before the conclusion of the match. While in most instances the award goes to a player on the winning team, there have been four players awarded the prize who played on losing teams.
Due to the prestige of the award, winning the Norm Smith can have a major impact on the fame and recognition of the player, as well as influence contract and sponsorship deals. The most recent recipient of the award is Collingwood’s Bobby Hill.
Intro to the Top Players
The best Norm Smith performances have gone down as the most memorable moments in the AFL’s history. Players such as Dustin Martin, Andrew McLeod, and Luke Hodge are noted for having won the award more than once, undoubtedly earning themselves a place in the AFL’s Hall of Fame.
These performances are considered especially exceptional due to the immense pressure on players during the Grand Final match. The awards highlight the resilience and versatility of the players, and their ability to showcase their immense talents when their teams, and fans, need them the most. Keep reading to learn about these star players.
Dustin Martin (Richmond)
Midfielder and forward for the Richmond Tigers Dustin Martin has done down in history for being the only player to win three Norm Smith awards. He earned these in the 2017, 2018, and 2020 premierships. His first award game was against Adelaide, where he kicked two crucial goals and amassed 29 disposals.
The Norm Smith record-holder wowed with another explosive performance by scoring four goals against the GWS Giants, 22 disposals, and an ability to break through tackles. His latest award was given after another display of dominance in 2020 when he kicked four goals. Dustin Martin is now the most experienced player for the Tigers and remains a safe bet.
Andrew McLeod (Adelaide)
Andrew McLeod has delivered two of the best Norm Smith performances, having won back-to-back awards in 1997 and 1998. The midfielder and half-back played for the Adelaide Crows and was instrumental in bringing home Adelaide’s first premiership titles. Achievements include 31 disposals and an impressive run and carry that repeatedly drove the Crows forward.
The following year, the Crows were back in the Grand Final, and McLeod displayed yet another impressive performance. He amassed 30 disposals and again displayed a keen ability to control the ball and execute crucial decisions quickly. He remains one of the Crows’ most celebrated players of all time.
Luke Hodge (Hawthorn)
Luke Hodge of Hawthorn wowed with his individual Grand Final performance in two games that were six years apart. The first came in 2008 when Hodge’s leadership saw the team win over Geelong. In the game, he managed 26 disposals and thwarted Hawthorn’s formidable opponents with an exceptional defense.
By 2014, Hodges was the captain of Hawthorn and scored a goal and a huge 35 disposals. His team defeated the Swans with elegant gameplay and Hodge was a key figure in this. His big-game ability and ability to remain calm under pressure have made him an icon for Hawthorn’s fans.
Gary Ayres (Hawthorn)
Considered to be the first best Grand Final player, Gary Ayres of Hawthorn was the first player to win the Norm Smith Medal twice. The midfielder won his first in 1986 after 32 disposals and kicking four goals. He also proved a stable and formidable asset in the team’s defense against Carlton.
While the Hawks lost the following year to Carlton, they again made it to the Grand Final in 1988, where the team dominated Melbourne. Ayres would again be awarded the Norm Smith for his strong defensive play, earning 22 disposals and setting up many Hawks attacks despite fracturing his cheekbone in the first quarter.
Simon Black (Brisbane)
Simon Black was a midfielder for the Brisbane Lions and won his Norm Smith medal after an outstanding performance during Brisbane’s third consecutive premiership win. He gathered 39 disposals and nine clearances, and his skillful play was instrumental to the team’s win. He displayed strong composure and intelligence, earning a strong reputation as a midfielder.
James Hird (Essendon)
James Hird was a midfielder and Forward for the Essendon Bombers, showing a remarkable performance during the team’s 2000 Grand Final win over Melbourne. He kicked three goals and garnered 29 disposals as well as assisting several goals. He remained determined and versatile, proving himself as a reliable leader to his teammates.
Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn)
When it comes to AFL grand final performances, Hawthorn knows how to act, with player Cyril Rioli being yet another Norm Smith winner for the team. He earned his medal in the 2015 Grand Final against West Coast, kicking two goals, 12 involvements, and 18 disposals. He also applied relentless pressure in defense to protect the Hawks’ lead.
Peter Matera (West Coast Eagles)
In 1992, Peter Matera became the first Norm Smith recipient for the West Coast Eagles, proving to be an instrumental talent in winning the team their first premiership. Matera kicked five goals from the wing and 24 disposals throughout the game, with one a 60-meter running goal from the right forward flank.
Steve Johnson (Geelong)
Geelong Cats forward Steve Johnson will forever be an icon for supporters, with the player providing pivotal support in the Cats’ first premiership win in 44 years. The team would win by 119 points, and Johnson scored four goals and was involved in setting up numerous goals. His creativity and stamina were lauded on the day.
Gary Ablett Sr. (Cats)
One of only a few players to win a Norm Smith medal despite being on the losing team, Gary Ablett Sr. made history when he kicked nine goals for the Cats. This achievement continues to tie with the outright Grand Final record and is considered to be one of the sport’s greatest individual performances.
