Fremantle's Nat Fyfe claims 2019 Brownlow Medal

Fremantle’s skipper Nat Fyfe has joined an exclusive club after winning his second AFL Brownlow Medal in a stunning night at Melbourne’s Crown Casino.

The 2019 Brownlow Medal has been run and won by Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe who polled 33 votes to edge out a chasing pack of stars on Monday night.

In a close Brownlow Medal count, Fyfe pulled away in the second half of the season and was announced as the winner with two rounds remaining.

He edged out Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield (27), Carlton's Patrick Cripps (26) and Lachie Neale (26).

Fyfe becomes only the 15th player in the history of the game to become a dual Brownlow Medal winner.

The humble superstar was at his brilliant best on the podium alongside host Hamish McLachlan when he was asked about winning the medal for the second time.

"A bit surreal. Incredibly humble," Fyfe said.

"I really pride myself on my preparation. I know if I prepare as well as I can that's going to put me in a position to be able to impact most games.

"I knew if I dialled down on my preparation and worked at my role as captain with our out leaders that I could get back to being the best player I possibly could be. And this is incredibly rewarding for the effort that I have put in." 

 

With 33 votes, Nat Fyfe is your 2019 #Brownlow Medallist. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/7x51htd5H0

— AFL (@AFL) September 23, 2019

 

Fyfe paid tribute to former Fremantle coach Ross Lyon who was let go following the club's round 22 loss to Essendon.

 

"I wish he (Lyon) was here tonight,” Fyfe said in his speech. 

 

"He’s played a major part in my career. (For) eight years he was my coach. He took us to preliminaries and a grand final. 

 

"I won a Brownlow while playing for him and now a second. 

 

"I caught up with him last weekend, we had a couple of beers. He is not lost to the footy world. 

 

"He will be back, I’ve got no doubt."

 

Fyfe averaged 29.1 disposals, 7.5 clearances and four tackles per game in a year where he was also named captain of the All-Australian side.

 

His unbelievable ability to poll votes has put him in rare air, with the star joining legend of the game Haydn Buntine as the only players polling more votes than games played. 

 

Nat Fyfe now has 174 #BrownlowMedal votes from 161 regular season games. Unreal.

— Damon Marcon (@damonmarcon) September 23, 2019

Several greats of the game were quick to praise the Fremantle superstar who is the only Brownlow winner in the club's history. 

 

Congratulations to Nat Fyfe on winning his second Brownlow medal. For those who criticised his selection as All Australian captain , overlooked he is a modern day great who deserved such an honour. Kb

— Kevin Bartlett (@KevinBartlett29) September 23, 2019

 

Congratulations Nat Fyfe. Over two years of injuries to become the star of the AFL again. Two medals, very well deserved.

— Terry Wallace (@thelistmanager) September 23, 2019

Below is how the 2019 Brownlow Medal night unfolded: