Isaac Smith awarded Norm Smith Medal as Geelong end grand final pain against Sydney

Aidan Cellini

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Isaac Smith awarded Norm Smith Medal as Geelong end grand final pain against Sydney image

Geelong were the last ones standing in 2022, defeating Sydney by 81 points in the grand final.

With a smattering of stars across the whole ground, the Norm Smith Medal panel found it difficult to pick a singular Cat to take home the prestigious award.

Isaac Smith was awarded for his performance, kicking three goals from 32 possessions against the Swans.

The officials who voted for Smith was Andrew McLeod (Chairperson), Jonathon Brown, Michael Gleeson, Abbey Holmes and David Mundy.

All voters were equipped with handing out a 3-2-1, with the maximum a player can get being 15 votes.

The former Hawk was rewarded with a near perfect game, with all but Brown giving the three to Smith, who saw Dangerfield as the best on ground.

However, in a day that was dominated by Cats, the medal could've gone to anyone.

Surprise packet Tyson Stengle slotted four goals, adding a premiership medal to his maiden All-Australian jacket in one of the stories of the year.

Tom Hawkins, who put through three majors and four behinds, essentially kicked his way out of the race, with a more accurate reading likely resulting in the Norm Smith.

Skipper Joel Selwood was also brilliant and was enormous when it mattered most, getting Geelong off to a fast start.

Mitch Duncan, who was the sub in the 2011 grand final, proved to be another worthy player of the award despite not receiving any votes.

Geelong fielded the oldest team in V/AFL history, with nine of their stars over the age of 30.

To make matters even better, all performed at such a high level, silencing doubters and their pre-season predictions.

Aidan Cellini

Aidan Cellini Photo

Aidan has surrounded himself with all types of sport, but resonates most with AFL and basketball as he still plays both competitively. He loves being active and enjoys sharing sporting moments with friends and family.

In his spare time, Aidan likes to read biographies as well as keep active and healthy. He's also a big fan of Matthew McConaughey and Marvel movies.