what is norm smith medal

The Norm Smith Medal is an Australian rules football award presented annually to the player judged best on ground in the grand final of the Australian Football League (AFL). It was first awarded in 1979 and is named in honor of Norm Smith, a distinguished Melbourne Football Club player and coach. The medal is determined by a five-member panel of former players, journalists, and media personalities who independently vote for the best three players in the match. The winner is announced immediately after the grand final match during a post-match ceremony. The medal is typically awarded to a player from the winning team, though a few players have won it from losing teams. The most recent winner as of 2025 is Will Ashcroft of the Brisbane Lions.