Norm Smith Medal
Quick Answer
The Norm Smith Medal is awarded to the best player in the AFL Grand Final, as judged by an independent panel. It has been presented since 1979 and is named after legendary Melbourne coach Norm Smith.
- Dustin Martin is the only 3-time winner (2017, 2019, 2020)
- 4 players from losing teams have won the medal
- Will Ashcroft (Brisbane) is the 2024 winner
One of the most prominent individual awards in Australian football is the Norm Smith Medal, which is given to the player who is judged to be the best on the field during the AFL Grand Final.
The medal, which was first presented in 1979 and is named after the renowned Melbourne coach who led the Demons to six premierships from 1955 to 1964. Read to discover all the winners of the prestigious medal since 1979.
Historic Achievement
In 2017, Dustin Martin became the first player in VFL/AFL history to win a premiership, the Brownlow Medal and the Norm Smith Medal in the same season. This remarkable triple crown had never been achieved in over 100 years of Australian Football history. Martin went on to cement his place as the greatest Grand Final performer of the modern era by winning the medal again in 2019 and 2020, becoming the only player to win it three times.
“One Norm Smith medal guarantees a player's place in the history of the game. Win two of them, and you're set for life as one of the greats. Win three, and your name is Dustin Martin.”
— Mike Hytner, The Guardian, article on Dustin Martin after the 2020 Grand Final (October 24–26, 2020).
Multiple Winners
While Dustin Martin stands alone with three medals, several other players have won the award twice. Gary Ayres (Hawthorn) won in 1986 and 1988 during the Hawks' golden era. Andrew McLeod (Adelaide) claimed back-to-back medals in 1997 and 1998, leading the Crows to consecutive premierships. Luke Hodge (Hawthorn) won in 2008 and 2014, bookending Hawthorn's modern dynasty.
Losing Team Winners
Four players have won despite their team losing: Maurice Rioli, Gary Ablett Sr., Nathan Buckley, and Chris Judd.
View Grand Finalists →Selection Process
An independent panel of experts votes on a 3-2-1 basis immediately after the Grand Final concludes.
More AFL Awards →The Namesake
Norm Smith coached Melbourne to six premierships and is considered one of the greatest coaches in VFL/AFL history.
About Norm Smith →Complete List of Winners
Winners At A Glance
Most Recent: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane, 2024) | Most Medals: Dustin Martin (3) | First Winner: Wayne Harmes (Carlton, 1979)
Clubs with Most Wins: Hawthorn (8 medals) | Back-to-Back Winners: Andrew McLeod (1997-98), Dustin Martin (2019-20)
| Year | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Will Ashcroft | Brisbane |
| 2023 | Bobby Hill | Collingwood |
| 2022 | Isaac Smith | Geelong |
| 2021 | Christian Petracca | Melbourne |
| 2020 | Dustin Martin | Richmond |
| 2019 | Dustin Martin | Richmond |
| 2018 | Luke Shuey | West Coast |
| 2017 | Dustin Martin | Richmond |
| 2016 | Jason Johannisen | Western Bulldogs |
| 2015 | Cyril Rioli | Hawthorn |
| 2014 | Luke Hodge | Hawthorn |
| 2013 | Brian Lake | Hawthorn |
| 2012 | Ryan O'Keefe | Sydney |
| 2011 | Jimmy Bartel | Geelong |
| 2010 (R) | Scott Pendlebury | Collingwood |
| 2010 | Lenny Hayes | St Kilda |
| 2009 | Paul Chapman | Geelong |
| 2008 | Luke Hodge | Hawthorn |
| 2007 | Steve Johnson | Geelong |
| 2006 | Andrew Embley | West Coast |
| 2005 | Chris Judd * | West Coast |
| 2004 | Byron Pickett | Port Adelaide |
| 2003 | Simon Black | Brisbane Lions |
| 2002 | Nathan Buckley * | Collingwood |
| 2001 | Shaun Hart | Brisbane Lions |
| 2000 | James Hird | Essendon |
| 1999 | Shannon Grant | North Melbourne |
| 1998 | Andrew McLeod | Adelaide |
| 1997 | Andrew McLeod | Adelaide |
| 1996 | Glenn Archer | North Melbourne |
| 1995 | Greg Williams | Carlton |
| 1994 | Dean Kemp | West Coast |
| 1993 | Michael Long | Essendon |
| 1992 | Peter Matera | West Coast |
| 1991 | Paul Dear | Hawthorn |
| 1990 | Tony Shaw | Collingwood |
| 1989 | Gary Ablett Sr. * | Geelong |
| 1988 | Gary Ayres | Hawthorn |
| 1987 | David Rhys-Jones | Carlton |
| 1986 | Gary Ayres | Hawthorn |
| 1985 | Simon Madden | Essendon |
| 1984 | Billy Duckworth | Essendon |
| 1983 | Colin Robertson | Hawthorn |
| 1982 | Maurice Rioli * | Richmond |
| 1981 | Bruce Doull | Carlton |
| 1980 | Kevin Bartlett | Richmond |
| 1979 | Wayne Harmes | Carlton |
* Denotes players who won the medal despite their team losing the Grand Final
Club Success in the Norm Smith Medal
| Club | Total Medals | Winners |
|---|---|---|
| Hawthorn | 8 | Ayres (2), Hodge (2), Lake, Rioli, Dear, Robertson |
| West Coast | 5 | Matera, Kemp, Judd, Embley, Shuey |
| Richmond | 5 | Martin (3), Bartlett, Rioli |
| Geelong | 5 | Ablett Sr., Johnson, Chapman, Bartel, Smith |
| Essendon | 4 | Duckworth, Madden, Long, Hird |
Pro Tip: The Norm Smith Medal voting is conducted by a panel of five experts who award votes on a 3-2-1 basis immediately after the Grand Final. The player with the highest total wins the medal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won the most Norm Smith Medals?
Dustin Martin holds the record with three Norm Smith Medals, winning in 2017, 2019, and 2020. He's the only player in VFL/AFL history to win the medal three times.
Can a player from the losing team win the Norm Smith Medal?
Yes, four players from losing Grand Final teams have won the award: Maurice Rioli (1982), Gary Ablett Sr. (1989), Nathan Buckley (2002), and Chris Judd (2005).
How is the Norm Smith Medal winner decided?
A panel of five independent experts votes on a 3-2-1 basis immediately after the Grand Final concludes. The player with the highest total points wins the medal.
Why is it called the Norm Smith Medal?
The medal is named after Norm Smith, who coached Melbourne to six premierships between 1955 and 1964. He's considered one of the greatest coaches in VFL/AFL history and revolutionized modern coaching methods.
When was the Norm Smith Medal first awarded?
The Norm Smith Medal was first awarded in 1979, when Carlton's Wayne Harmes won it. The medal has been presented every year since, including in 2010 when there were two Grand Finals due to a draw.
Which club has won the most Norm Smith Medals?
Hawthorn players have won the most Norm Smith Medals with 8 total, including two each by Gary Ayres and Luke Hodge. Richmond has 5 medals, with Dustin Martin winning 3 of those.
References
- AFL. (2024). "Norm Smith Medal History and Winners." Australian Football League Official Records. Melbourne: AFL House.
- Holmesby, R. & Main, J. (2023). "The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers." Wilkinson Publishing. 11th Edition.
- AFL Media. (2024). "Grand Final Records and Statistics." AFL.com.au. Retrieved September 2025.
- Smith, Patrick. (2022). "The Greatest Grand Final Performances." The Australian Sports Publications.
- Victorian Football League. (2020). "Historical Awards and Honours." VFL Archives. Melbourne.
Related Pages
- More AFL Awards
- Coleman Medal for the top goal scorer.
- About the AFL player Norm Smith
- About the Brownlow Medal
- AFL Grand Finalists
- Wooden Spoon winners
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