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AFL grand final: Fremantle Dockers star Shai Bolton wins Norm Smith Medal in losing side

Samantha RogersThe West Australian
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Shai Bolton with his Norm Smith.
Camera IconShai Bolton with his Norm Smith. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Fremantle star Shai Bolton has become the first player since Chris Judd in 2005 to claim the Norm Smith Medal in a losing side.

SEE THE FULL VOTING BELOW

Bolton was awarded 10 of a maximum 15 votes ahead of Lions defender Dayne Zorko (six) and two-time winner Will Ashcroft (six).

Dockers teammates Caleb Serong (four) and Hayden Young (three) also polled while Charlie Cameron was awarded one vote.

Bolton was judged the best player afield with 26 disposals, nine score involvements and nine inside 50s in the seven-point defeat.

The five-person panel, chaired by Norm Smith medallist and premiership player Andrew McLeod, included Judd himself.

The West Coast premiership captain famously claimed the Norm Smith when Sydney defeated the Eagles more than two decades ago in a decision that was unpopular with Swans fans at the time and prompted boos from the disappointed crowd.

A player has not claimed the award in a losing side since Judd.

Shai Bolton has been awarded the Norm Smith Medal in a losing Fremantle side in a shock decision following Brisbane’s grand final victory at the MCG. 
Camera IconShai Bolton has been awarded the Norm Smith Medal in a losing Fremantle side in a shock decision following Brisbane’s grand final victory at the MCG.  Credit: Robert Cianflone/AFL Photos/Getty Images

Brisbane three-time premiership captain Michael Voss, four-time premiership champion Shaun Burgoyne and Herald Sun journalist Lauren Wood made up the voting panel.

Judd and Voss awarded Bolton the maximum three votes, while Burgoyne gave him two and McLeod and Wood gave him one. Zorko was awarded three votes by both McLeod and Burgoyne but received no other votes.

Bolton was presented the medal by Geelong champion Paul Chapman.

“I just want to say congrats to the Brisbane boys, you’ve been the benchmark for a couple of years now,” Bolton said.

“To our boys, heads up. We’ll be back better and stronger. To our fans, thank you for coming out. Appreciate you all.”

FINAL VOTING TALLY

  • Shai Bolton (Fremantle) – 10 votes (3,3,2,1,1)
  • Dayne Zorko (Brisbane Lions) – 6 votes (3,3)
  • Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions) – 6 votes (3,2,1)
  • Caleb Serong (Fremantle) – 4 votes (2,2)
  • Hayden Young (Fremantle) – 3 votes (2,1)
  • Charlie Cameron (Brisbane Lions) – 1 vote (1)

HOW THEY VOTED

Andrew McLeod (Chair) 3. Dayne Zorko (Brisbane Lions) 2. Hayden Young (Fremantle) 1. Shai Bolton (Fremantle)

Shaun Burgoyne 3. Dayne Zorko (Brisbane Lions) 2. Shai Bolton (Fremantle) 1. Hayden Young (Fremantle)

Chris Judd 3. Shai Bolton (Fremantle) 2. Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions) 1. Charlie Cameron (Brisbane Lions)

Michael Voss 3. Shai Bolton (Fremantle) 2. Caleb Serong (Fremantle) 1. Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

Lauren Wood 3. Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions) 2. Caleb Serong (Fremantle) 1. Shai Bolton (Fremantle)

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