Lachie Ash’s E.J. Whitten Medal Win and the Nick Daicos Debate
The AFL’s State of Origin clash saw Victoria emerge victorious over Western Australia with a 24-point win (18.17, 125 to 15.11, 101) at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.1 Even as Jesse Hogan’s five goals for WA weren’t enough to secure a win, Lachie Ash’s dominant performance for Victoria earned him the prestigious E.J. Whitten Medal.
Ash’s Impactful Performance
Lachie Ash was awarded the E.J. Whitten Medal for best on ground, tallying 25 disposals and 498 meters gained.1 His performance was particularly crucial after Victoria lost Jacob Weitering to a neck injury early in the first quarter, requiring a defensive reshuffle.2 Coaches Chris Scott, Sam Mitchell, and Garry Lyon unanimously selected Ash as the medal recipient, recognizing his influence when the game was most intense.3
The Daicos Discussion
Despite Ash’s well-deserved recognition, the decision sparked debate, with many fans and pundits suggesting that Nick Daicos or Marcus Bontempelli were more deserving of the honor. Daicos recorded an impressive 38 disposals, seven clearances, and 13 score involvements, along with a game-high five tackles.3 Bontempelli similarly had a strong showing with 30 disposals.
Scott explained that the panel considered Ash’s performance most impactful during critical moments of the game.3 This decision raises questions about whether Daicos is held to a higher standard when it comes to individual awards, given his consistently exceptional performances. He has been a runner-up in the Brownlow Medal on multiple occasions, polling 32 votes in 2023 and 38 in 2024, but was beaten by Patrick Cripps (45 votes) and Matt Rowell respectively.2
Disposal Counts and Voting Patterns
An analysis of voting patterns suggests that Daicos may not receive credit for his disposals as readily as other players. In 2024 and 2025, he failed to poll a vote in 11 matches despite recording 30 or more touches.2 In contrast, Cripps often received votes even in games with fewer than 20 disposals.
Looking Ahead
Despite not receiving the E.J. Whitten Medal this time, Nick Daicos remains one of the AFL’s most valuable players. As he approaches his 100th game, alongside Bontempelli, he is considered among the league’s best.2 Lachie Ash, however, has earned his moment in the sun and is poised to become a more widely recognized star in the AFL.