afl.com.au looks back at the most memorable upsets in Brownlow history including the below which included Fitzroy and Lions connections:
A quick glance back at past medal counts provides a reminder that neatly predicted outcomes don't always pan out. Here's an extended look back at some Brownlow Medal upsets, when the popular picks went home without the medal.
1973: No joy for 'lethal'
Hawk hardman Leigh Matthews. Photo: AFL Media
The year before the Bartlett-Greig controversy, Hawthorn rover Leigh Matthews was the one to beat. Matthews had featured prominently in various media awards, but Greig ended up playing spoiler. The North speedster polled 27 votes, two ahead of Essendon ruckman Graham Moss. Matthews finished in third place, four votes adrift of Greig.
1986: A mate denies Roos
Lions legend Paul Roos flies against the Tigers. Photo: AFL Media
Fitzroy had enjoyed a wonderful season, beating Essendon in a thrilling elimination final in the wet, edging the Sydney Swans in another close final the following week and reaching the preliminary final before coming up short to eventual premier Hawthorn.
Paul Roos had been a critical part of the Lions' success and was considered a lock to be named the competition's fairest and best player after his second straight All-Australian season.
But Roos' relatively unknown teammate Mark Dwyer collected 10 votes, inadvertently 'stealing' some from Roos.
The count ended in a tie, with Hawk DiPierdomenico and Swan Greg Williams finishing with 17, one vote in front of Roos, who would win the second of five club best and fairest awards.
2002: Lions streak ahead of Dogs
Luke Darcy thrilled Bulldogs fans but couldn't catch the umpires' eyes. Photo: AFL Media
Bulldogs ruckman Luke Darcy was a star in 2002, winning the AFL Players' Association and Australian Football Media Association MVP awards.
Darcy was considered a great chance to join other Bulldogs ruckmen Norm Ware (1941), John Schultz (1960), Gary Dempsey (1975) and Scott Wynd (1992) as Brownlow medallists. Sadly for Darcy and Dogs fans, the umpires didn't agree.
He finished with only 16 votes, nine behind the winner, Lion Simon Black.
