See the full votes: Bolton joins rare club by winning Norm Smith in losing team

Fremantle midfielder Shai Bolton has won the Norm Smith Medal

--> Shai Bolton with the Norm Smith Medal after the AFL Grand Final between Fremantle and Brisbane at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 26, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos FREMANTLE star Shai Bolton has become just the fifth player in the history of the Norm Smith Medal – and the first in 21 years – to win the coveted best on ground award in a losing Grand Final.

Bolton adds his name to legendary figures Chris Judd (West Coast, 2005), Nathan Buckley (Collingwood, 2002), Gary Ablett snr (Geelong, 1989) and Maurice Rioli (Richmond, 1982).

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