That perennial discussion has erupted again, this time apparently because Sam Mitchell nearly ‘won’ the Brownlow Medal but would have been ineligible to take the prize having pled guilty to an MRP charge.

It seems to be forgotten — every year — but the Brownlow is awarded to the fairest and best player as judged by the field umpires. There’s a reason that the Brownlow is held in such high esteem.

Players who flagrantly transgress the laws of the game can win any one of almost countless media awards. There’s a reason that those media awards aren’t seen as equivalent to the Brownlow.

It’s one word — fairest. This award is about the game being played in the finest spirit of sportsmanship and what a fine ideal that is to emphasise.

The guys to whom we entrust the control of each game, and whom we trust to exercise that control disinterestedly, are the closest to the game and they see a lot more than media pundits do, and often a lot more than television, for all its technical wizardry, does.

The umpires don’t have access to statistics when casting their votes — a scandal according to some. Surely we have enough recognition of players based on their statistical output already? Media award voting seems to be, generally, stats-based assessment. Eight goals will get Lance Franklin three votes, but eight perfect kicks to teammates won’t get the centre half-back more than a pass mark.

The latest calls for change would have minor misdemeanors discounted to maintain Brownlow eligibility. Why? Did Sam Mitchell do something that contravened the laws of the game? Yes, he did. His guilty plea says he admits guilt. If he hadn’t dome anything wrong, he wouldn’t have been charged. And, if you asked him, he’d surely answer that team success means far more to him than individual honours.

Let’s say it again: the Brownlow recognises the player who plays the game according to the highest traditions of sportsmanship and is the best player according to that criterion.

Change? Why? What is it that is broken about the current system?

Every now and again an AFL footballer demonstrates a chivalrous attitude that renews AussieRulesBlog’s faith in the higher ideals of sport.

Some years ago, Essendon’s David Hille turned back from following the ball to check on an injured Jamie Charman and call Brisbane trainers to his aid. More recently, a couple of players whose names we don’t recall have, similarly, called trainers to aid opponents who have been concussed in contests for the ball.

And then there’s the win-at-any-cost attitude that sees Lee Montagna and Justin Koschitzke ‘test’ a clearly incapacitated Ed Curnow’s shoulder by bumping him as players milled around at the end of a quarter. There are plenty of precedents. Jack Riewoldt attempting to punch Tayte Pears’ injured hand, Steven Baker punching Steve Johnston’s injured hand, Mal Michael bumping Nick Riewoldt’s injured shoulder, Steven Kretiuk and Matthew Lloyd’s hand, . . .

Some readers will be thinking as they read this, it’s a man’s game and what happens on the field stays on the field, or if you run out onto the field you’re effectively saying you’re fit enough to compete. Well we agree with these sentiments — up to a point.

Sport should be about striving for ideals, about competing fiercely in the contest and respecting your opponent. The modern game appears to be leaning toward, figuratively, kicking an opponent when they’re down and the physically-strong oppressing the physically-weakened.

It’s about respect. Not just respecting opponents, although that’s very important. It’s about respecting yourself and treating others as you would want them to treat you.

Let’s not beat around the bush: Lee Montagna and Justin Koschitzke were unsportsmanlike in their attack on Curnow. There’s no other way to say it. They brought the game, and sport in the wider context, into disrepute.

Such incidents must be made illegal and automatically referred to the tribunal. There cannot be any justification for such attacks outside of a genuine contest for the ball.

Over to you, Andrew and Mike. Do we want our game to promote respect? Or are you happy to see it descending into unprovoked mob violence?