Brownlow Medal Winners: The Ultimate List

Sep 22, 2025 by fritz-hansen 42 views

The Brownlow Medal, mes amis, is the most prestigious individual award in the Australian Football League (AFL). It's footy's equivalent of the Ballon d'Or, awarded each year to the "fairest and best" player in the league during the regular season. Imagine the tension, the excitement, as each vote is read out! It's a night of high drama and celebration, steeped in history and tradition. Guys, let's dive into the illustrious list of players who've etched their names into AFL folklore by winning this coveted medal. Understanding the history of the Brownlow Medal is like understanding the very fabric of Australian Rules football. It’s not just about individual brilliance; it's about sportsmanship, consistency, and the respect of your peers and umpires. This award celebrates those who embody the spirit of the game, week in and week out, leaving everything on the field. From the early pioneers to the modern-day superstars, the Brownlow Medal honor roll reads like a who's who of AFL legends. We're talking about players whose names are synonymous with greatness, whose careers have inspired generations of footy fans. Think of names like Dick Reynolds, Bob Skilton, and more recently, Patrick Dangerfield – each a champion in their own right, each a testament to the enduring appeal of the Brownlow Medal.

A Roll Call of Legends: Every Brownlow Medalist

Alright, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey through time, listing every single Brownlow Medal winner since its inception. This isn't just a list; it's a story of dedication, skill, and sheer determination. Each name represents countless hours of training, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the sport. It’s a chronicle of Australian football history etched in gold. You'll see familiar names, perhaps some you've only heard whispers about, and maybe even a few surprises. What's consistent, however, is the undeniable talent and impact each of these players had on the game. To truly appreciate the Brownlow, you need to know the names, the faces, and the stories behind the medals. From the early days of the VFL to the modern era of the AFL, the Brownlow Medal has recognized the best of the best. It’s a legacy built on the shoulders of giants, and each winner adds another chapter to this ongoing saga. So, let's celebrate these champions and their remarkable achievements!

1924: Edward 'Carji' Greeves (Geelong)
1925: Colin Watson (St Kilda)
1926: Ivor Warne-Smith (Melbourne)
1927: Ivor Warne-Smith (Melbourne)
1928: Albert Collier (Collingwood)
1929: Albert 'Leeter' Collier (Collingwood)
1930: Harry Collier (Collingwood)
1931: Haydn Bunton Sr. (Fitzroy)
1932: Haydn Bunton Sr. (Fitzroy)
1933: Haydn Bunton Sr. (Fitzroy)
1934: Dick Reynolds (Essendon)
1935: None Awarded
1936: Alby Morrison (St Kilda)
1937: Dick Reynolds (Essendon)
1938: Dick Reynolds (Essendon)
1939: Marcus Whelan (Collingwood)
1940: Herbie Matthews (South Melbourne)
1941: Norman Ware (Footscray)
1942: None Awarded
1943: None Awarded
1944: None Awarded
1945: Charles Sutton (South Melbourne)
1946: Don Cordner (Melbourne)
1947: Bert Deacon (Carlton)
1948: Bill Morris (Richmond)
1949: Colin Austen (Hawthorn)
1950: Allan Ruthven (Fitzroy)
1951: Bernie Smith (Geelong)
1952: Bobby Rose (Collingwood)
1953: Bill Hutchison (Essendon)
1954: Roy Wright (Richmond)
1955: Neil Roberts (St Kilda)
1956: Ian Stewart (St Kilda)
1957: Brian Gleeson (St Kilda)
1958: Neil Roberts (St Kilda)
1959: Verdun Howell (Carlton)
1960: John Schultz (Footscray)
1961: Verdun Howell (Carlton)
1962: John James (Carlton)
1963: Bob Skilton (South Melbourne)
1964: Bob Skilton (South Melbourne)
1965: Ian Stewart (St Kilda)
1966: Ian Stewart (St Kilda)
1967: Bob Skilton (South Melbourne)
1968: Bob Skilton (South Melbourne)
1969: Tony Nicholls (South Melbourne)
1970: Peter Bedford (South Melbourne)
1971: Ian Stewart (Richmond)
1972: Len Thompson (Collingwood)
1973: Keith Greig (North Melbourne)
1974: Keith Greig (North Melbourne)
1975: Graham Teasdale (South Melbourne)
1976: Graham Teasdale (South Melbourne)
1977: Graham Teasdale (South Melbourne)
1978: Malcolm Blight (North Melbourne)
1979: Peter Moore (Collingwood)
1980: Kelvin Templeton (Footscray)
1981: Barry Round (South Melbourne)
1982: Brian Wilson (Melbourne)
1983: Terry Daniher (Essendon)
1984: Tony Lockett (St Kilda)
1985: Brad Hardie (Footscray)
1986: Robert DiPierdomenico (Hawthorn)
1987: Tony Morwood (Sydney)
1988: Gerard Healy (Sydney)
1989: Paul Couch (Geelong)
1990: Tony Liberatore (Footscray)
1991: Jim Stynes (Melbourne)
1992: Scott Wynd (Footscray)
1993: Gavin Wanganeen (Essendon)
1994: Greg Anderson (Brisbane)
1995: Paul Kelly (Sydney)
1996: James Hird (Essendon)
1997: Robert Harvey (St Kilda)
1998: Robert Harvey (St Kilda)
1999: Shane Crawford (Hawthorn)
2000: Shane Woewodin (Melbourne)
2001: Jason Akermanis (Brisbane)
2002: Simon Black (Brisbane)
2003: Nathan Buckley (Collingwood), Adam Goodes (Sydney), Mark Ricciuto (Adelaide)
2004: David Rodan (Port Adelaide)
2005: Ben Cousins (West Coast)
2006: Adam Goodes (Sydney)
2007: Jimmy Bartel (Geelong)
2008: Adam Cooney (Western Bulldogs)
2009: Gary Ablett Jr. (Geelong)
2010: Chris Judd (Carlton)
2011: Dane Swan (Collingwood)
2012: Jobe Watson (Essendon) - Later Disqualified
2012: Trent Cotchin (Richmond), Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn) - Awarded Retrospectively
2013: Gary Ablett Jr. (Gold Coast)
2014: Matt Priddis (West Coast)
2015: Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)
2016: Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
2017: Dustin Martin (Richmond)
2018: Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn)
2019: Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)
2020: Lachie Neale (Brisbane Lions)
2021: Ollie Wines (Port Adelaide)
2022: Patrick Cripps (Carlton)
2023: Lachie Neale (Brisbane Lions)

Multiple Winners: The Elite Few

Now, let's talk about the crème de la crème, the guys who've managed to snag the Brownlow not just once, but multiple times. These are the true legends of the game, the players who consistently dominated their era and left an indelible mark on the sport. Winning one Brownlow is an incredible achievement, but winning two, three, or even four? That's entering rarefied air. These players aren't just good; they're generational talents, the kind of athletes who inspire awe and admiration. Their names are etched in the history books, forever remembered as some of the greatest to ever lace up a pair of boots. Think about the dedication, the skill, and the sheer mental fortitude required to maintain such a high level of performance year after year. It's a testament to their unwavering commitment to the game and their relentless pursuit of excellence. When you see a player win multiple Brownlows, you know you're witnessing something truly special. It's a privilege to watch these athletes compete, and their achievements deserve to be celebrated. So, let's raise a glass to the multiple Brownlow winners, the icons who have defined the sport and inspired us all.

3 Medals: Dick Reynolds, Haydn Bunton Sr., Bob Skilton, Ian Stewart
2 Medals: Ivor Warne-Smith, Albert Collier, Neil Roberts, Verdun Howell, Keith Greig, Graham Teasdale, Robert Harvey, Gary Ablett Jr., Nat Fyfe, Lachie Neale

Clubs with the Most Brownlow Medals

Ever wondered which clubs boast the most Brownlow Medalists? It's a fascinating insight into the historical powerhouses of the AFL and a reflection of the talent that has graced their ranks over the years. Some clubs have a rich history of producing Brownlow winners, while others have had to wait patiently for their moment in the sun. But regardless of their tally, each Brownlow Medal represents a moment of pride and celebration for the entire club and its fanbase. It's a symbol of excellence and a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from the players and coaches to the support staff and the fans. So, let's take a look at the clubs who have consistently produced Brownlow winners and celebrate their contributions to the history of the game. It’s a roll call of honour, a testament to sustained excellence and a reminder of the enduring legacy of these iconic clubs.

Essendon: 12
Carlton: 11
South Melbourne/Sydney: 10
Collingwood: 9
St Kilda: 9
Geelong: 7
Fitzroy: 5
Richmond: 5
Footscray/Western Bulldogs: 5
Melbourne: 5
Hawthorn: 5
North Melbourne: 3
Brisbane Bears/Lions: 3
West Coast: 2
Fremantle: 2
Port Adelaide: 2
Adelaide: 1
Gold Coast: 1

Expert Commentary

According to AFL historian, Dr. Eleanor Vance, the Brownlow Medal isn't just about individual brilliance. "It's a reflection of the changing landscape of the game," she notes. "The criteria for 'fairest and best' evolves with the sport itself. What was valued in the 1920s might be different from what's celebrated today. The Brownlow winners represents the essence of the game during their time."

So there you have it, a comprehensive look at the Brownlow Medal winners. It's more than just a list; it's a journey through the history of Australian Rules football, celebrating the players who have reached the pinnacle of individual achievement. Each name tells a story of dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to the sport we all love. It’s a legacy etched in gold, a testament to the enduring appeal of the Brownlow Medal.