Pavlich will accept Brownlow if suspended Heeney wins on Monday
Matthew Pavlich will accept the Brownlow Medal on Isaac Heeney's behalf and read a speech written by Heeney if the suspended Swans star polls the most votes.
Isaac Heeney remains eligible for the AFL's highest individual award despite being suspended by Sydney for breaching club standards before the finals. Isaac Heeney will not attend Monday's count, but AFL and Channel 7 have a plan in case he wins.
Pavlich, Sydney's CEO, will be at Crown Palladium and will accept the medal and read Heeney's prepared speech if he polls the most votes. Matthew Pavlich accepting a Brownlow on behalf of an absent winner would be unprecedented.
Heeney had a strong season helping Sydney to a top-two finish. He is expected to finish with a vote tally in the mid-20s.
The race is tipped to be dominated by Collingwood's Nick Daicos, who could approach Patrick Cripps' record of 45 votes on his way to a likely first Brownlow.
- Matthew Pavlich
- Sydney CEO
- mid-20s
- Expected Heeney votes
- 45
- Cripps record votes
- Crown Palladium
- Event venue
Why it mattersIt would be the first time a club CEO has accepted the Brownlow on behalf of an absent winner, marking a unique moment in AFL history.
AustraliaThe AFL's most prestigious individual award could be won by a player not present to collect it, an unusual scenario for Australian sport.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 d ago
