An AFL controversy has arisen following Marcus Bontempelli’s Brownlow win. The Western Bulldogs star was seemingly overlooked by the umpires in the early voting rounds. In Round 2, despite receiving 10 votes from the AFL coaches for his outstanding performance against Gold Coast with 32 touches and two goals, Bontempelli did not receive a single Brownlow vote.
This surprising snub continued in the following rounds, leaving fans shocked and disappointed. Even after performing exceptionally well in multiple games, Bontempelli struggled to earn votes. Some fans expressed their frustration on social media, questioning the fairness of the voting process and suggesting bias against the Bulldogs captain.
Despite the initial setbacks, Bontempelli managed to make up ground in the later rounds and finished the night with 19 votes. However, his teammate Adam Treloar, who received 26 votes, may have taken some votes away from him. Treloar also had an impressive season and was a key player for the Bulldogs.
Last year’s Brownlow winner, Lachie Neale, faced similar controversies during the voting process. Calls were made for umpires to have access to match statistics to make more informed decisions. However, the AFL stood by the umpires’ judgment and maintained their decision to vote based on their own observations rather than recorded game information.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, Bontempelli’s talent and dedication to the game are undeniable. His fans remain hopeful that he will eventually win a Brownlow Medal in the future. The annual award ceremony continues to spark debates and discussions among AFL enthusiasts, highlighting the passion and competitiveness of the sport.
As the AFL grand final approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of the season and the performances of their favorite players. The unpredictable nature of the game and the controversies surrounding prestigious awards like the Brownlow only add to the excitement and intrigue of Australian Rules football.
