The 2018 Brownlow coverage was a struggle to watch, writes Jon Anderson

AS an unabashed Brownlow fanatic, and someone who hasn’t missed a telecast since 1970, the 2018 version was a struggle for those who attended and watched on TV, writes JON ANDERSON.

2018 Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell. Picture: AFL Media

AS an unabashed Brownlow fanatic, and someone who hasn’t missed a telecast since Peter Bedford won in 1970, it pains me to say the event is in desperate need of an overhaul.

Tom Mitchell’s deserving and dominant win aside, the 2018 version was a struggle, both for those in attendance and those of us who watched the Channel 7 coverage.

Two people who have both occupied extremely influential places in the game privately declared they will never go to another Brownlow.

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And even more concerning is the fact over a third of the 58 living Brownlow medallists didn’t attend for a variety of reasons, from Barry Round’s heart operation to some who have grown disillusioned with the evening or the game itself.

The Brownlow has always held a unique place in our sporting landscape, long remaining an evening of fun-poking from our Sydney friends who have never worked out how viewers can sit through two and a half hours of votes being read out.

Tom Mitchell is congratulated after his Brownlow win. Picture: Mark Stewart

Of course the evening has always been more than that, and generally has been a successful one.

The 2018 version was not such an occasion.

The old adage of hitting them between the eyes right from the start was missing, as we constantly heard “you look amazing” as wives and partners paraded on the red carpet and any amount of material for them to work with

How to improve?

OK, the first 45 minutes can be hosted by The Front Bar crew, which should lead to some interesting observations from Mick and Sam as to the fashions.

The Front Bar crew can reinvigorate the Brownlow coverage.

As for going from table to table, they have the perfect person in “Roaming Brian” Taylor, an artform he has perfected over the last couple of seasons.

There were moments on Monday evening that were cringe-worthy, from Daisy Pearce’s interview with Steele Sidebottom to Adam Cooney’s skit with Matthew Richardson.

Pearce, Cooney and Richardson are all fine with the right vehicle, but they were in the wrong car on Brownlow night.

It will rise again, and everyone is allowed hits and misses. Hopefully a makeover will see 2019 return to what is normally a must-watch night on out AFL calendar.