Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson has revealed his long-shot pick for this weekend’s Norm Smith Medal as he taps into a recent trend for players named best-on-ground in the grand final.
Simpson is backing his former colleague from his days as a Hawthorn assistant in Chris Fagan and Brisbane to avenge last year’s defeat in the decider and overcome Sydney on Saturday.
And rather than taking the likes of Lachie Neale or Dayne Zorko to earn Norm Smith honours, Simpson nominated Zac Bailey as his best-on selection as he eyes a proven goalkicker for the prize.
Bailey is a $41 outsider with bookmakers for the Norm Smith, sitting on the 16th line of betting.
But the 25-year-old has booted multiple goals in five matches this season, including a two-goal, 19-disposal effort in the preliminary final win over Geelong – with the trend of hitting the scoreboard to secure the medal catching Simpson’s eye.
“I think what’s happened lately… is that it’s a midfielder who kicks goals or a forward that kicks them,” Simpson said on SEN.
“You’ve got to have a few goals under your belt – which the Sydney mids do.
“But Isaac Smith a couple of years ago, last year Bobby Hill…
“I don’t think I can bet on footy. I haven’t done it yet. I might make a few enquiries today.”
Of the past 10 Norm Smith medallists, eight have booted multiple goals on their way to earning the honour.
The exceptions are Simpson’s 2018 hero Luke Shuey, who had one goal and 34 touches in what Champion Data rated as the best individual finals performance of any player since 2010, and Jason Johannisen, who went goalless alongside 33 touches in 2016.
Simpson was full of praise for West Coast’s decision to welcome 2018 premiership captain Shannon Hurn back into the nest, with the Eagles last week revealing a development coaching role for the 37-year-old.
“He’ll be unique to himself (in the way) he goes about it,” Simpson said.
“He’s got his own way and it’s very effective. He’s got universal respect as a person as well as a great footy brain.”
RECENT NORM SMITH MEDALLISTS
- Bobby Hill (2023): 4 goals, 18 disposals
- Isaac Smith (2022): 3 goals, 32 disposals
- Christian Petracca (2021): 2 goals, 39 disposals
- Dustin Martin (2020): 4 goals, 21 disposals
- Dustin Martin (2019): 4 goals, 22 disposals
- Luke Shuey (2018): 1 goal, 34 disposals
- Dustin Martin (2017): 2 goals, 29 disposals
- Jason Johannisen (2016): 0 goals, 33 disposals
- Cyril Rioli (2015): 2 goals, 18 disposals
- Luke Hodge (2014): 2 goals, 35 disposals
