Ollie Wines has won the Brownlow Medal after edging out a host of midfield rivals in a pulsating race that will go down in the history books.
The Port Adelaide star battled grand finalists Marcus Bontempelli and Clayton Oliver as well as Sam Walsh and Darcy Parish for much of Sunday night’s count.
Wines came out on top with a record-equalling 36 votes from a record-high 16 games to leave Bontempelli (33), Oliver (31) and Walsh (30) in his wake.
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It is the first time since the 3-2-1 system was introduced to the Brownlow Medal that more than two players have polled 30 or more in the same count.
Wines is Port Adelaide’s first winner, an achievement earned after an All Australian season that helped his side to second on the ladder and a preliminary final.
The 26-year-old’s future at the South Australian club has not been assured in recent seasons, having been dropped and moved aside as co-captain in 2019.
Rumours of a trade to Victoria were put to bed by a contract extension late last year and followed by his best season yet under coach Ken Hinkley.
“I’m a little bit rattled to be honest, still,” Wines said after he was declared the 2021 Brownlow medallist.
“There are so many great players that I still look up to at my age.
“They’ve had tremendous seasons and a lot of them are playing on Saturday in the biggest game of the year, and I’m extremely envious of them.
“I would love to be in their position, but as you said, it wasn’t to be this year. I know we will rebound and go again next year.”
Wines paid tribute to Port Adelaide, whose decision to draft the “home-oriented” Victorian youngster with the No.7 pick in the 2012 draft prompted tears at the family home.
“It’s more than an individual award, it’s a team award,” he said.
“From our playing group to our coaches to our football staff, upstairs in our building, to our administration staff, everyone, your work on and off the field definitely doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Everyone is so integral to winning the premiership we are as hungry as ever to get.”
Wines also recognised his partner’s contribution to the Brownlow.
“Liv, you are probably the reason for my success this year, so thank you,” he said.
Port Adelaide president David Koch interrupted Wines’ photo shoot to celebrate the feat on a video call from South Australia.
Wines’ victory came after one vote in round 22 and two votes in round 23 sent him ahead of Bontempelli, who had led from round 12 but did not poll a single vote in the final three rounds.
Meanwhile, Walsh matched Carlton’s record of 30 votes, shared by Chris Judd and Greg Williams, in just his third AFL season.
“It was a bit of a crazy night, bit of nerves, but I knew those guys at the top end had brilliant years and Ollie is a deserving winner,” the 21-year-old Walsh said.
“Very consistent throughout his year and a very tough player, so big congratulations to him.”
Elsewhere, Fremantle veteran David Mundy became the oldest player to poll at least 20 votes after the 36-year-old ended the night with a career-high 20.
Wines’ 33-year-old teammate Travis Boak recorded 25 to become the oldest player to poll reach that mark.
Sunday night’s count took place at Perth’s Optus Stadium, which will host next Saturday’s grand final, with other players tuning in from around the country.
In his welcome speech, AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan urged everyone to be vaccinated “so we can united as one” - a message greeted with warm applause in the main function room.
Twenty years after Jim Stynes won the Brownlow, tribute was paid to the Melbourne great.
His children Matisse and Tiernan announced Port Adelaide veteran Travis Boak as this year’s winner of the Jim Synes Community Award.
Also on Sunday night, Fremantle’s Caleb Serong won goal of the year and Richmond star Shai Bolton was awarded mark of the year.
Brownlow Medal votes
- Ollie Wines, 36
- Marcus Bontempelli, 33
- Clayton Oliver, 31
- Sam Walsh, 30
- Darcy Parish, 26
- Jack Steele, 26
- Travis Boak, 25
- Tom Mitchell, 25
- Jarryd Lyons, 23
- Christian Petracca, 23
- with AAP
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