Gary Ablett Snr: only key forward to win finals best award
Since 1979, only Gary Ablett Snr has won Norm Smith medal as a tall; small forwards dominate finals best-on-ground awards.
The classic footy saying "talls don't get any smaller in finals" may have it backwards. Bobby Hill, Cyril Rioli, Steve Johnson and Paul Chapman all have Norm Smith medals on their resumes.
Gary Ablett Snr remains the sole key forward to win that award since it was established in 1979. Brisbane won back-to-back premierships with small forwards leading the goal-kicking: Charlie Cameron kicked four in last year's grand final and three in the 2023 loss.
Cameron is now No.2 for finals goals this century after overtaking Tom Hawkins' tally of 56 on Saturday. Lance Franklin leads with 74 goals from 28 finals games since 2000.
- Gary Ablett Snr
- Only key forward with Norm Smith medal
- 1979
- Award established
- No.2 after overtaking Tom Hawkins' 56
- Cameron finals goals this century
- 74 from 28 games
- Lance Franklin finals goals since 2000
Why it mattersIn September, small forwards' ability to move and create mismatches often outweighs pure height advantage, reshaping how teams build their attacking structures.
