Must we continue to be goal-centric?

Perhaps it has always been thus, but the selection of Brendan Fevola for the Allen Aylett Medal as best player in the Hall of Fame Tribute Match emphasises, yet again, media representatives' preoccupation with goals.

"Highlights" packages of games routinely feature goals only. It's as if the players who don't kick goals have done nothing worthwhile. Of course there are goals worthy of inclusion. Steve Johnson's first in the Tribute Match was as spectacular and freakish as anyone could want (and I called it before the ball had bounced; before Johnson even touched the ball!), but Fevola kicking from 50 or 55 is hardly remarkable these days.

Of course the forwards have to be good enough to beat their opponents to the ball in order to kick the goals, but the rebounding defenders and midfielders get the ball and deliver it with sufficient precision... While we're on the topic, midfielders racking up 30-odd possessions is little justification for BOG honours as well in these days of tempo football.

So, who was better than Fevola? Adam Goodes, Brent Harvey, Andrew McLeod, Sam Mitchell, ...