AFL 2024: Michael Voss opposes softening Brownlow Medal eligibility

Carlton coach Michael Voss is in direct disagreement with one of his star players on the push to change a Brownlow Medal rule.

Sydney star Isaac Heeney is ineligible for this year’s Brownlow Medal after his appeal to overturn a one-match ban was unsuccessful on Thursday. Picture: Brett Costello

The case to maintain the Brownlow Medal’s traditional eligibility rules has found a vocal supporter in Carlton coach Michael Voss, who says it’s on players to adapt with the times.

Voss said he wanted to keep what made the Brownlow “unique” from other end-of-season awards despite the angst over Isaac Heeney being ruled ineligible following the failed appeal to his one-match ban on Thursday night.

The Swans superstar issued a video statement following the decision, saying the consequences of the tribunal decision were “pretty shattering”.

While Blues captain Patrick Cripps earlier this week called for a review of Brownlow eligibility and said Heeney did not deserve to miss his chance to win the medal, Voss disagreed with his star player.

Carlton coach Michael Voss won a tied Brownlow Medal count with Essendon champion James Hird in 1996.

The 1996 Brownlow medallist said while the threshold for incidents warranting a suspension had changed, it was on players to adapt to keep themselves eligible for the award.

“It’d want to be a pretty convincing argument to change,” Voss said.

“We all have our unique awards, they’re all different – we’ve got our MVP, (voted by) your peers and you’ve got your coach’s award and you’ve got your media awards, and this is the Brownlow and we accept that there’s rules around that.

“You acknowledge there’s been some changes in the interpretation of some of those rules, probably stricter ones.

Voss believes Brownlow Medal eligibility should stay the same to preserve the unique character of the award. Picture: Morgan Hancock / Getty Images

“But I don’t mind the concept that it has its own unique place … we’re asking players to adapt, and I think they just need to adapt.”

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said Heeney’s suspension had been “unlucky”.

“The way he plays, he’s such an honest ballplayer, very courageous,” Beveridge said on Friday.

“Just looking at the incident, I don’t think he intended to whack anyone or anyone head high.

“So for me, because he didn’t intend to and it was a bit of an accident – even though the swinging arm was there – he’s unlucky.”