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AFL umpires will be given access to statistics when voting on the Brownlow Medal, but there\u2019s a key detail within the adjusted polling procedure. <\/p>\n
The league on Wednesday morning confirmed that its umpires would be allowed to request access to 17 key stats to assist in making their voting decisions. <\/p>\n
Those figures will be provided by the AFL and \u201caccessed on an AFL-issued device\u201d, such as an iPad or mobile phone, if the umpire is seeking further information about players\u2019 performance. <\/p>\n
Stat access will be closely monitored, and umpires won\u2019t be able to use their own devices for ethical reasons. <\/p>\n
However, key to the new development is that it \u201cis designed to assist deliberations only\u201d, rather than act as the key indicator in the four field umpires\u2019 voting process. <\/p>\n
The aforementioned 17 key stats are kicks, handballs, marks, disposals, tackles, contested marks, goals, behinds, goal assists, score involvements, clearances, contested possessions, intercept marks, intercept possessions, spoils, kick-ins and hitouts. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe Brownlow Medal is the most prestigious individual award in the AFL competition. Field umpires who are entrusted to vote are instructed to take time, care and thoughtfully deliberate before reaching a unanimous decision to ensure the integrity of the award is upheld,\u201d AFL football boss Greg Swann said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhile statistics can provide useful and reliable data, the essence of the award is clearly set out on the ballot paper. It is the subjective opinion of the field umpires that will determine the voting for the award, and the umpires are acutely aware of the importance of the award and the standing in which Brownlow Medallists are held in the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Herald Sun and Fox Footy reporter Jon Ralph reported<\/a> that seasoned AFL whistle-blowers had pushed for access to stats, \u201csick of being mocked on Brownlow night for perceived errors\u201d. <\/p>\n There was major uproar last September when St Kilda\u2019s Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera received two votes instead of three after his matchwinning Round 20 performance against Melbourne when he kicked four goals from 34 disposals. <\/p>\n But while there\u2019ll be a change to the way some votes are finalised, umpires will continue to follow the same procedure as in seasons past; convening to adjudge their best players in 3-2-1 format as a consensus. <\/p>\n Walsh: Easy to sign large extension | 02:08<\/p>\n \u2018CUT-THROUGH\u2019 MOMENT IN BIG DEVILS PITCH<\/p>\n The Tasmania Devils have made it clear they\u2019re a recruiting force to be reckoned with, less than two years out from when their draft concessions kick in. <\/p>\n Per several reports, the Devils, headed by list manager Todd Patterson, made a shrewd presentation to 30 of the sport\u2019s most prominent player managers on Monday night. <\/p>\n