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IN A STELLAR individual season, it was two split-second decisions that could have cost Fremantle star Nat Fyfe the 2014 Brownlow Medal.
Overtaken by eventual winner Matt Priddis in the final round of the season, Fyfe polled a Dockers' club record 25 votes and led the count on Monday night between rounds 20 and 22.
It was surely with much relief AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan announced Priddis's two votes in round 23, which ensured Fyfe didn't join Corey McKernan and Chris Grant as ineligible 'winners'.
Fyfe has now polled 75 votes in 71 home and away games, and TAB Sportsbet was quick to install him as second favourite for the 2015 medal behind Gold Coast champion Gary Ablett.
Fyfe, who was voted by the players as the AFL's most valuable player this season, was ineligible because of a controversial high bump on Gold Coast midfielder Michael Rischitelli in round two.
The two-match suspension sparked debate because it came under the new high bumps rule, which penalised Fyfe for an accidental head clash.
The 23-year-old didn't appear a Brownlow threat at the halfway point of the season, sitting on six votes, well behind then leader Ablett (17).
He polled 19 votes in his last 10 games, however, including five best-on-ground performances, which earned him maximum votes.
In round 21, Fyfe was again suspended for an off-the-ball strike on Hawthorn midfielder Jordan Lewis, ruling him out for the rest of the season when his Tribunal challenge failed.
Entering that period on the sidelines in strong form, there is every chance the young star could have edged his way to the top of the leaderboard on Monday night if he had been available for the final two games.
Priddis, who was humble and embarrassed but proud on Monday night, was one of many relieved to see an eligible player poll top votes.
