Jason Johannisen wins Norm Smith medal but pundits and fans debate decision

JASON Johannisen was a deserved Norm Smith medallist in his side’s premiership win over the Swans. But that hasn’t stopped debate over the decision. VOTE and HAVE YOUR SAY

Liam Picken was among the standouts. Picture: Mark Stewart

JASON Johannisen was a deserved Norm Smith medallist in his side’s premiership win over the Swans on Saturday but that hasn’t stopped the inevitable debate over the decision.

Johannisen was a dominant figure in his side’s win, his remarkable journey from South Africa to an AFL Grand Final culminating with a Norm Smith medal being draped around his neck late on Saturday at the MCG after his 33-disposal game against the Swans.

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But as Norm Smith medal voting reflected, he had some serious competition for that gong of best afield.

The judges divided their votes between four players — Johannisen, Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy and Bulldogs pair Tom Boyd and Liam Picken.

Speaking on Sunday morning, Picken praised both his teammates and acknowledged how tight a decision it must have been for the judging panel.

“I thought it could have gone to ‘JJ’,” Picken told Channel 9.

“Even Tom Boyd, he had a lot of pressure to stand up yesterday. (He was) fantastic to take the marks and kick the goals.”

NORM SMITH MEDAL VOTING:

10 — Johannisen (3322)

8 — Kennedy (32111)

7 — T Boyd (313)

5 — L Picken (221)

Sydney's Josh Kennedy was easily his side’s best. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Norm Smith, votes 3 2 1:
B Johnson - Johannisen, Kennedy, Boyd.
E Quayle - Boyd, Johannisen, Kennedy.
W Carey - Boyd, Picken, Kennedy.

— Patrick Keane (@AFL_PKeane) October 1, 2016

Norm Smith votes part 2:
M Voss - Johannisen, Picken, Kennedy.
J Clark - Kennedy, Johannisen, Picken.
Ends

— Patrick Keane (@AFL_PKeane) October 1, 2016

Swan Kennedy was the dominant player on the field in the opening half before the Bulldogs gradually wrestled back control in the midfield.

Boyd took control in the air after half-time, imposing himself on the game to finish with three goals while Picken’s toughness and nous near goal also netted him three goals.

Wayne Carey went Boyd, Picken, Kennedy with his Norm Smith votes. Boyd massive. But JJ could have squeezed in...

— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) October 1, 2016

Is the Norm Smith now the medal for best in winning team not best on ground? Fair argument Kennedy had better game, but happy for JJ to win https://t.co/zFHqUkkAjU

— Peter Lalor (@plalor) October 1, 2016

More than 30 touches & more than 2 goals in GFs:
Peter Bell 1999 (31 & 4)
Josh Kennedy 2016 (34 & 3)
Neither won the Norm Smith@superfooty

— Chris Robinson (@CJKRobinson) October 1, 2016

Can't believe the Bont hasn't been recognized for today. Cleanest bloke on the ground. Was either him or JJ for Norm Smith

— Daniel Hoyne (@DJDevils1) October 1, 2016