First Brownlow returns to Geelong

A SPECIAL piece of AFL history arrived at Geelong last week with the first ever Brownlow Medal returning to the club.

The club’s purchase of the medal, won by Geelong Cat Edward “Carji” Greeves in 1924, was enabled by donations from club benefactors and supporters.

Former Geelong Brownlow medal winners Gary Ablett and Patrick Dangerfield were present at the medal’s unveiling on Wednesday.

Dangerfield said he was pleased the club and their fans had the medal back, but was hesitant when asked about whether he thought he’d be adding one to the club this year.

“It seems to be pretty tight this field. There’s a lot of players that have had really good seasons. It could come down to the wire, so it’ll be a fascinating night.”

Yet Ablett was optimistic about the club adding another Brownlow to their collection.

“I think Patty (Dangerfield) will poll well, I think Tim Kelly, I think Mitch Duncan will poll a few points as well.”

The day after the unveiling, Dangerfield was named in the AFL All Australian Team, along with Geelong teammates Tom Stewart, Tim Kelly and Tom Hawkins.

Geelong chief executive officer Brian Cook said the medal was an important part of the club’s history.

“We will permanently display the medal at the club so that future generations can share in such an important award,” Mr Cook said.

“The first Brownlow is a unique piece in the history of the game, and the connection to the Geelong Football Club through both “Carji” Greeves and Charles Brownlow made this opportunity too good to pass up.”

Greeves, Dangerfield and Ablett are three of seven Geelong players to have won the Brownlow Medal. The others are Bernie Smith, Alistair Lord, Paul Couch and Jimmy Bartel.