Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe with his 2019 Brownlow Medal. Picture: AFL Photos

THE AFL has announced the 2020 Charles Brownlow Medal Count will be held as a virtual event, broadcast on Sunday, October 18, on Channel Seven.

In an unprecedented year of firsts and in the interests of the health and wellbeing of all players and officials, the AFL's fairest and best player will be awarded in a made-for-TV event with no official standalone function attached.

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The Brownlow Medal count continues to open the festivities of Grand Final week, however, will this year be scheduled on the Sunday night.

General manager of commercial and customer Kylie Rogers said the decision to adapt to the COVID environment respected the history of the award. 

While the glamour of the red carpet will be missed this year, we are looking forward to delivering a special format made specifically for the broadcast audience at home

- Kylie Rogers

"The Charles Brownlow Medal is our game's highest individual honour and continues to be the most prestigious night of the AFL calendar.

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"It's incredibly difficult to get people together in indoor event spaces in a responsible manner given the current environment, and the community's safety has been at the forefront of every decision we've made.

"While the glamour of the red carpet will be missed this year, we are looking forward to delivering a special format made specifically for the broadcast audience at home, so our fans can continue to celebrate their heroes and their achievements this year." 

Lachie and Julie Neale on the red carpet during the 2019 Brownlow Medal. Picture: AFL Photos

Managing director Seven Melbourne and head of network sport Lewis Martin commented: 

"While this year's Brownlow Medal broadcast will be different, what won't change is the drama of the count and the prestige of the game's most coveted individual award. It truly is a magical night and we are down the track on plans to bring all the tension, drama and emotion to the fans at home as this year's fairest and best player is crowned."

AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan will be in Queensland to read the votes on the evening, with further announcements to be made in coming weeks. 

2020 marks the 93rd year the Charles Brownlow Medal will be awarded to the league's fairest and best player.

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