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Who Won the Brownlow in 1987?

Published in AFL Brownlow Medal 2 mins read

The 1987 Brownlow Medal was jointly won by Tony Lockett of St Kilda and John Platten of Hawthorn, marking a significant moment in the history of Australian Rules Football's most prestigious individual award.

Understanding the Brownlow Medal

The Brownlow Medal is awarded annually to the "fairest and best" player in the Australian Football League (AFL) during the home-and-away season, as determined by votes cast by the officiating umpires. It is one of the most coveted individual honours in Australian sport, recognising not only exceptional skill but also sportsmanship.

The 1987 Co-Winners

In 1987, the voting concluded in a tie, leading to two remarkable players sharing the honour:

  • Tony Lockett (St Kilda): Known as "Plugger," Lockett was a dominant full-forward throughout his career, renowned for his immense strength and prolific goal-kicking ability. His performance in 1987 underscored his burgeoning status as one of the league's most formidable players.
  • John Platten (Hawthorn): A dynamic and courageous midfielder, Platten was a key figure in Hawthorn's highly successful era. His tenacity, ball-winning ability, and precise disposal made him a pivotal player for his team.

This dual recognition highlighted the exceptional talent present in the league during that era, with both players excelling in their respective positions and contributing significantly to their teams' campaigns.

1987 Brownlow Medal Co-Winners

Winner Club Position (General)
Tony Lockett St Kilda Forward
John Platten Hawthorn Midfielder

Legacy of the 1987 Winners

Both Tony Lockett and John Platten went on to have illustrious careers following their Brownlow success. Lockett became the AFL's all-time leading goal-kicker, a record he still holds, and was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame as a Legend. Platten was a multiple premiership player with Hawthorn and also earned a place in the Australian Football Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to the sport. Their joint victory in 1987 remains a notable event in Brownlow Medal history.

For more information on the Brownlow Medal and its history, you can visit AFL.com.au or the Wikipedia page for the Brownlow Medal.