Tom Graham wins award as coach's suspension bars vote leader
Tom Graham claimed the Hec Smith Medal with 20 votes, while coach Jake Hinds was ruled ineligible despite leading with 22.
South Launceston's Tom Graham won the Hec Smith Medal in a dramatic finish. Final-round votes decided the award.
Ben Hyatt and Graham entered the last game tied. Hyatt's dislocated hip kept him sidelined.
Graham edged ahead with one crucial vote. He finished on 20 votes.
Launceston coach Jake Hinds polled the most votes of any player or official across the season with 22. But a round-11 suspension made him ineligible for the award.
In the women's league, Launceston's Jorja Haberle won the best-and-fairest with 25 votes. She pulled clear of rival Liana Freestone in a tight race.
- 20
- Graham's winning votes
- 22
- Hinds total votes
- 25
- Haberle's winning votes
- Round 11 suspension
- Hinds ineligibility
Why it mattersAn injury and a suspension created a surprise winner in the region's most prestigious football award.
AustraliaLocal footy fans in Northern Tasmania saw a dramatic turn in their league's top individual honour.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 d ago
