The Norm Smith Medal is always a point of focus whenever the AFL Grand Final rolls around.
Winners of the ‘Norm’ are etched into the history books and remembered forever for their significant performances on the big day.
We have evaluated each and every Collingwood and Brisbane player set to grace the MCG turf for this Saturday's season decider.
Read our NormGuide below:
Darcy Cameron
For: Big men don’t get any smaller in finals and Cameron has had a handful of games this season where he featured in coaches' votes. He’s the type of ruckman who can get 20 touches to go with a goal and plenty of hitouts when he’s at his best.
Against: Mason Cox has become Collingwood’s go-to ruckman early in the piece. He’ll also be lined up against Oscar McInerney and many like how the Lion shapes up in that head-to-head. He also has just one three-vote Brownlow game to his name.
Lachlan Geleit
Mason Cox
For: When he is on, he is on. Cox has been best afield in a final before and has also claimed a Neale Daniher Trophy for best afield in a Queen’s Birthday clash. Has been in great form rucking and if he heads forward and kicks a few goals he could be a chance.
Against: His best performances are too few and far between. Just as he can be best on ground, he’s equally as likely to be worst on ground. Cox is just too risky a proposition for a Norm Smith.
Lachlan Geleit
Jack Crisp
For: A proven finals performer, Crisp has been among Collingwood’s best in both of their finals this season. He also came second in the Gary Ayres Medal in 2022 as his game particularly stands up in September. The kind of midfielder that doesn’t need a heap of it to impact, Crisp is one of Collingwood’s leading hopes.
Against: He’s not quite as prolific as Collingwood’s other star midfielders. His versatility may also cost him as Craig McRae often uses him as a ‘Mr Fix-It’, which could stop him from standing out amongst his peers.
Lachlan Geleit
Josh Daicos
For: The All-Australian has been in Collingwood’s top handful of players in 2023. He was best afield on the MCG in just Round 22 when he had 38 exquisite disposals against Geelong. After Isaac Smith won a Norm Smith on a wing last year, Daicos is a chance if he can follow his template of racking the footy up while also hitting the scoreboard.
Against: He’s been relatively quiet in Collingwood’s two finals so far this season. Also given how finals are typically contested and suit inside players, Daicos probably doesn’t play a role that suits a typical September slog – if the game does happen to play out in that fashion.
Lachlan Geleit
Nick Daicos
For: Easily Collingwood’s best chance. Daicos was best or second best afield in 10 of his 20 home and away games according to the umpires, and he may have been unlucky on a few occasions. His style of play is eye-catching and after getting through one game after recovering from a knee injury, he could be primed and ready to go. If Collingwood wins, there’s every chance Daicos is your 2023 Norm Smith winner.
Against: There’s a chance he gets tagged or has to deal with some attention, but perhaps Brisbane’s attention will be on his running mate Jordan De Goey. There are also questions about his overall fitness level given he’s only played one game since returning from a seven-week layoff.
Lachlan Geleit
Jordan De Goey
For: Many would consider De Goey Collingwood’s leading contender. A finals standout, De Goey is in ripping form and was clearly best afield in their Preliminary Final win. In the same mould as Dustin Martin and Christian Petracca – who have won four of the last six Norm Smiths – De Goey is a burst midfielder who can hit the scoreboard. If De Goey plays like he did last week and the Pies win, there’ll be no question who takes home the medal.
Against: Many expect Josh Dunkley to mind De Goey at stoppages, which may nullify his influence somewhat. He’ll also have to deal with Nick Daicos who often attracts a lot of praise when Collingwood wins.
Lachlan Geleit
Jamie Elliott
For: Perhaps the one Collingwood forward that can really break open the game, Elliott will feature near the top of the voting if the Pies win and he kicks three or more goals – a feat he achieved seven times this season. His ability to kick important goals late could also give extra weight to his performance if he does the same on Saturday.
Against: He’ll probably be the one forward the Lions will be hellbent on stopping. He’s also only kicked the one goal from two finals so far in 2023 and hasn’t found as much of the footy as he did during the home and away season. Would need to turn his form around somewhat to be a live chance.
Lachlan Geleit
Billy Frampton
For: If he shuts down Harris Andrews and chimes in for a goal or two, it would make a very strong case.
Against: He has never received a Brownlow vote which doesn’t bode well for Norm Smith votes. He'll also likely play a defensive role which doesn't suit voting.
Charles Goodsir
Jack Ginnivan
For: He has already proven himself on the big stage with an Anzac Day Medal in 2022. Has the ability to kick crucial goals.
Against: Ginnivan has bursts of excellence rather than a consistent four-quarter performance.
Charles Goodsir
Bobby Hill
For: Has the ability to get hot and deliver clutch goals. Is a very creative player who brings others into the game.
Against: Hard to attract votes as a small forward and he doesn't get a lot of the ball. Would need to kick a bag.
Charles Goodsir
Will Hoskin-Elliott
For: A reliable player who can chime with an iconic moment. Is versatile so could impact in different areas of the ground.
Against: Doesn’t touch the ball enough to garner significant interest from voters.
Charles Goodsir
Jeremy Howe
For: Can play as a swingman and have an impact at both ends of the field and is a chance if he racks up plenty of intercept marks. Also an elite user and could come right into the game if the Lions are forced to go long and down the line.
Against: He is consistently great without being outstanding and he is often outshadowed by fellow defender Darcy Moore.
Charles Goodsir
Patrick Lipinski
For: If Collingwood is to win the Grand Final, they’ll have to score plenty against this free-wheeling Brisbane side. Lipinski has a knack when up and about of popping up and kicking a goal or two, involving himself in scoring chains too. That’s his only way of taking out the Norm Smith.
Against: Let’s be honest, Lipinski is unlikely to take out the North Smith Medal. He’s also been named as the sub for this Grand Final. He still has an important role to player in Craig McRae’s side, but he isn’t a realistic proposition of winning such a coveted award.
Laurence Rosen
Oleg Markov
For: Oleg Markov’s role in Collingwood’s side is understated, but he could explode on Grand Final day with his customary run and dash which has seen him become such an important part of this side. On a warm day at the ‘G, there’s a world where Markov dominates and steals the show.
Against: Markov is an important role player, but if Collingwood wins the Grand Final he’s likely to be outshone by some of his more high-profile teammates.
Laurence Rosen
Brayden Maynard
For: What more can you say about the heart and soul of this Collingwood wide? Maynard is still smarting from the infamous contest which saw Dom Sheed kick the winning goal in the 2018 Grand Final.
He has an important role to play on Saturday, minding the likes of Charlie Cameron and Lincoln McCarthy. If the man they call ‘Bruzzy’ can quell their influence, he could end the day with a Norm Smith Medal around his neck.
Against: Maynard may not find enough of the footy, which could harm his chances when it comes to the winning the Norm Smith.
Laurence Rosen
Beau McCreery
For: The hard-nosed Pie will need to play the best game of his career to win the Norm Smith Medal, while regularly hitting the scoreboard. Can he do it? It would be one of the shock Grand Final stories if he managed to pull it off.
Against: Pretty simple really. McCreery has impressed this year, but they’ll be plenty of other candidates at the Pies who are higher profile that will take out the medal if Collingwood salutes in the last Saturday of September.
Laurence Rosen
Brody Mihocek
For: Collingwood is going to have to score heavily to win this Grand Final. If this is the case, Brody Mihocek should kick a big of goals. If Collingwood wins with a big score, a forward is going to be in the frame to win the Norm. Could he do the unthinkable?
Against: Mihocek hasn’t been in the best form of late, so he’s facing an uphill battle to perform well in the Grand Final. Plus when you look at Brisbane’s rigid defence, it could land up being a tough afternoon for Brody.
Laurence Rosen
Tom Mitchell
For: The Brownlow Medallist a ball magnet who does his best work in and around the contest. Averages 32.6 touches against the Lions over his career and has had some huge games, including 30 or more in three of his last four against them. Mitchell had 26 touches and kicked two goals in Sydney’s 2016 Grand Final loss to the Bulldogs.
Against: A lot of his hard work often goes unnoticed and he lacks the star power of his midfield peers such as Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey. He would need fairly significant numbers to win, but of that he is capable.
Andrew Slevison
Darcy Moore
For: The Collingwood skipper is extremely noticeable in his role marshaling his side’s defence. Takes big marks and often repels opposition attacks. The Lions are a powerful scoring team so Moore could be right in the thick of the action. Is in his first Grand Final as captain so if the Pies win and he influences significantly, the voters could be swayed by that narrative.
Against: He’d have to take A LOT of intercept marks, keep his likely opponent Joe Daniher quiet and get a bit of the footy himself. Similar to the case against Harris Andrews, key defenders don’t win many Norms.
Andrew Slevison
Nathan Murphy
For: He can play a very crucial role as a defender who can both lock down and take intercept marks. Will have a key role on one of Brisbane’s dangerous forwards (perhaps Eric Hipwood) and if he shuts him down then his chances won’t be harmed.
Against: Simply doesn’t get enough of the ball to be considered a genuine Norm Smith threat. Would need to pull out a career performance to claim the medal.
Andrew Slevison
John Noble
For: Noble comes in and plays the game of his life across half-back, racking up over 600+ metres gained, 25+ disposals and opens up the game.
Against: He doesn't loom a likely selection and doesn't appear a realistic selection.
Nic Negrepontis
Scott Pendlebury
For: It’s incredible to think the 2010 Norm Smith Medallist is a real chance to win it again in 2023. Pendlebury is ageless and capable of having an enormous impact on this game with his poise and class, which will rise above the pressure of Grand Final day.
Against: Any scenario where Pendlebury simply plays a supplementary role to Nick Daicos or Jordan De Goey – or if Brisbane wins.
Nic Negrepontis
Isaac Quaynor
For: Has grown in confidence over recent weeks and is standing out more and more with his defensive efforts and clean ball use.
Against: He could play his best game on Saturday and still be barely noticed, such is the role he plays as the third tall in Collingwood’s backline.
Seb Mottram
Steele Sidebottom
For: He’s the definition of a big game player and has played two of his best games this season in the Qualifying and Preliminary Finals.
Against: When the heat goes on, wingman are more susceptible than most to falling out of the contest and Sidebottom will be dictated to by the circumstances of the game.
Seb Mottram
Callum Ah Chee
For: Has the ability to spark things for the Lions as an impact forward and on the wing. Can take a speccy and kick a big goal.
Against: He just doesn’t get enough of the ball (averaging 10.9 touches this year), and only kicks the occasional snag (six in 11 games this season).
Andrew Slevison
Harris Andrews
For: The co-captain is the main man in defence. He takes intercept marks in his sleep and the Lions are set up to allow him to pick off attacking forays.
Against: Will the Pies put defensive work into him to thwart his aerial prowess? Not many key defenders win the ‘Norm’.
Andrew Slevison
Zac Bailey
For: Is a dangerous and efficient forward who spends a bit of time in the midfield. He owns a fairly solid record against the Pies (averages 17.8 disposals and a goal per game). Capable of delivering in massive moments.
Against: Bailey’s role is more on the periphery, offering a crucial contribution as a high half-forward/mid. He’d have to kick three and pick up 20-odd touches, which is a huge performance in a Grand Final.
Andrew Slevison
Jarrod Berry
For: Berry has the ability to rack up the touches, as evidenced by his 24 disposals in last week’s prelim win over Carlton. He has picked up 20 or more disposals in five of his last six outings against the Pies.
Against: He would have to outshine a stacked Lions midfield unit led by two-time Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale, the classy Hugh McCluggage and the prolific Josh Dunkley to win the medal. Can often be used as a ‘cooler’ of sorts which restricts his disposal output.
Andrew Slevison
Charlie Cameron
For: The two-time All-Australian has all the tools to blow open a Grand Final. Has kicked bags of six and four goals against the Pies this year (plus another six in 2021). Fellow small forward Cyril Rioli won the award in 2015. A definite smokey.
Against: Playing deep forward means you are often starved of opportunities, especially in a high-intensity season decider. He’d have to kick three or more goals and chime in with some goal assists as well in order to win.
Andrew Slevison
Keidean Coleman
For: He was best on ground in a Preliminary Final. Can he do it in back-to-back weeks? Coleman’s ball-use sliced Carlton to ribbons and broke open a tough, contested game. Could he be a Jason Johannisen like Brownlow Medal winner?
Against: Can lightning really strike twice though? And will Collingwood put more work into him following the best performance of his career? That may make it harder for him to impact on Saturday.
Nic Negrepontis
Joe Daniher
For: The best key forward on the field on Saturday, if Joe Daniher takes over the game, Brisbane probably wins. If he kicks 4+ goals in a game where no midfielders stand out, he is certainly a chance to win it.
Against: Darcy Moore will be his opponent, meaning he will have to beat the All-Australian defender – and do so comprehensively in order to win the Norm Smith Medal.
Nic Negrepontis
Josh Dunkley
For: Josh Dunkley was one of Brisbane’s best in the Preliminary Final win over Carlton. He tagged Patrick Cripps out, while winning contest and clearance of his own. If he is able to similarly shut out Jordan De Goey while having an impact of his own, he will be one of the favourites.
Against: Can Dunkley stand out more than the midfielders around him? Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage, Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey are flashier, better on the outside and could have more impact on Saturday if the game is less congested.
Nic Negrepontis
Jaspa Fletcher
For: Anyone up for a fairy tale story where the son of a gun has the game of his life on Grand Final day, kicks three goals, has 500+ metres gained and leads his team to a flag?
Against: It’s probably unlikely that Ashcroft will outshine the majority of players on the field on Saturday.
Nic Negrepontis
Darcy Gardiner
For: Darcy Gardiner turns into the reincarnation of 2013 Brian Lake, dominates the air, shuts down Brody Mihocek and becomes one of the stories of the finals series.
Against: Any other scenario.
Nic Negrepontis
Eric Hipwood
For: If the Lions win, Hipwood would need to have a decent say. Had a big impact with only one goal last week, so if he dials that up to four or five majors, he’ll be right in the mix.
Against: Hasn’t kicked more than four goals in a game this season and struggles to find the footy enough to get noticed in Norm Smith voting.
Seb Mottram
Ryan Lester
For: Was superb last week in controlling the half-back line and using the ball well. A repeat of that effort would see him earn a few votes.
Against: The Preliminary Final effort was probably his best for the year and is typically used as a role player by Chris Fagan.
Seb Mottram
Jarryd Lyons
For: The likely sub for Brisbane, Lyons has shown he can rack up disposals at will while having a strong defensive presence.
Against: Aside from the obvious likely lack of game time, Lyons’ best is probably behind him and it’s been a long time since he dragged his side over the line.
Seb Mottram
Lincoln McCarthy
For: Genuinely swung the game Brisbane’s way last week despite only having 18 disposals and two goals. Wouldn’t be a surprise to see him gather 20 and three, for example, numbers which could win him the Norm Smith.
Against: McCarthy’s influence typically comes in bursts and he struggles to influence a contest across all four quarters.
Seb Mottram
Hugh McCluggage
For: A consistent performer who has matured plenty fold in 2023, McCluggage can impact a contest with less disposals than a traditional midfielder given his impressive ball use and creativity.
Against: Didn’t bring his best against Carlton last week and despite being a very solid contributor, rarely is the star of the show in a packed Brisbane midfielder.
Seb Mottram
Oscar McInerney
For: He was one of Brisbane’s best players last week against Carlton and has been getting the public plaudits this week. He showed in the Preliminary Final that he can go forward and kick goals and against two fairly one-dimensional ruckmen in Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox, McInerney could get on top in the midfield.
Against: How often do ruckmen win Norm Smith Medals? Barely ever!
Hugh Fitzpatrick
Connor McKenna
For: McKenna has had a terrific return to footy this year and he’s slowly been building to his best footy. We saw him at his best last weekend against the Blues where the classy backman gathered 20 disposals and a goal. When half-back flankers get free on the wide expanses of the MCG, it’s eye-catching.
Against: Collingwood’s small forwards will make McKenna accountable and it might mean he is made to defend where he’s previously been able to run off.
Hugh Fitzpatrick
Lachie Neale
For: He’s Brisbane’s best player and is one of the best players in the competition. The Norm Smith is historically a midfielder’s award and Neale is arguably the best midfielder out of the two teams. The Pies won’t put anyone to Neale which means he should gather at least 30 disposals.
He’s my tip to win the Norm.
Against: It’s going to be sunny afternoon which means an outside player will relish the conditions, Neale is certainly not an outside player!
Hugh Fitzpatrick
Jack Payne
For: A terrific lock down defender and against an undermanned Collingwood forward line, Payne could prove to be a brick wall.
Against: If he does play, he’ll be playing with a dodgy ankle.
Hugh Fitzpatrick
Cam Rayner
For: He’s the type of player that just looks like a Norm Smith Medallist. A powerful half-forward that can break the game open in 10 minutes, there have been plenty like Rayner that have taken home the award previously. Kicked three and had eight score involvements in the Qualifying Final win. If he does that again, he’s on.
Against: He’s still very inconsistent. His role plays a part in that, and there’s equally as big a chance that he’s quiet compared to dominant.
Lachlan Geleit
Deven Robertson
For: He’s a tackling machine and could be pretty important on-ball. If he gets his possessions up on the biggest day of the year to 20 or more and kicks a goal, it’d be his best game of the season so far.
Against: He’s easily Brisbane’s least prolific midfielder and won’t get a heap of time on-ball if things stay the same. It’s just very unlikely he wins it.
Lachlan Geleit
Brandon Starcevich
For: Could have a big role on a dangerous medium forward. Jamie Elliott looms as a potential matchup and if he blankets him while getting a fair bit of ball himself, that’s his route to picking up some votes.
Against: As a lockdown defender, it’s highly unlikely he does enough offensively both in terms of ball-winning and intercepting to claim the gong.
Lachlan Geleit
Dayne Zorko
For: A proven goal kicking midfielder that oozes class. Given I’m expecting the Lions to get the job done, a player like Zorko could get going in what promises to be an attacking Grand Final. Can see him having 20 disposals and three goals.
Against: We haven’t seen him at his best this year.
Hugh Fitzpatrick
Darcy Wilmot
For: Young Wilmot plays with a lot of attack and flare, and he’ll be the one starting their attack from defence. If he somehow collects over 25 disposals, he could feature in the Norm Smith voting.
Against: Often makes mistakes by foot and hand, can’t afford to do that in a Grand Final.
Hugh Fitzpatrick