Christian Petracca has won the Norm Smith Medal.
The 25-year old was almost the first player to ever have 40+ disposals in an AFL Grand Final, finishing instead with 39 possessions (24 contested), nine clearances, two goals, and 824 metres gained.
Petracca was influential in getting the game back on the Demons' terms in the third quarter, playing a huge part in Melbourne’s midfield dominance that led to multiple goals from centre clearances.
Bailey Fritsch (six goals) and Clayton Oliver (33 disposals) were the other frontrunners for the award from a Melbourne point of view.
Luke Hodge chaired the medal voting panel and was joined by Harry Taylor, Andrew Krakouer, Tania Armstring and Callum Twomey.
It’s the the Melbourne superstar’s first Norm Smith medal in what was his first AFL Grand Final.
Melbourne pulled away late to record a mammoth 74-point win over the Bulldogs to be crowned premiers.