AFL faces backlash as Kate McCarthy joins Norm Smith Medal voting panel
Controversy erupts on social media after Channel Seven commentator is named to decide grand final's best on ground
The AFL faced a wave of criticism Friday after naming Kate McCarthy, a former All-Australian and current Channel Seven commentator, to the Norm Smith Medal voting panel for this weekend's grand final. The panel also includes Adelaide Crows great Andrew McLeod, Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge, three-time Richmond premiership winner Jack Riewoldt and West Coast's 2018 premiership coach Adam Simpson. The nomination elevates a prominent media figure who has successfully transitioned from on-field stardom to broadcasting, but it also sparked a polarized reaction among fans who questioned whether the role should go to a first-time panelist.
Reaction on social media was swift, with fans labeling the move as tokenism and questioning whether a role of such significance should be given to a first-time panelist. One user wrote on X, 'Pure window dressing from the AFL,' another suggested the appointment was to 'keep the woke happy.' A third noted that 'I actually like Kate McCarthy, but we all know how woke the AFL is.' The controversy quickly became a talking point across AFL media and fan forums as the grand final approached.
Supporters of the appointment pushed back, with Channel Seven AFL reporter Mitch Cleary telling the haters to 'jog on' and emphasizing that McCarthy has been one of the code's 'most prominent analysts this year.' Other supporters highlighted McCarthy's on-field pedigree and her experience in handling sensitive issues in the sport’s governance and culture. News Corp's Lauren Wood added, 'Death, taxes and some 'men' getting triggered by women in footy. Get 'em Kate.' AFL Today's Alex Donnelly also argued that McCarthy is among the better football minds in media. The exchange underscored a broader debate about diversity and representation in the league's coverage, which has intensified in recent seasons.
McCarthy's supporters note her playing career—including All-Australian recognition—and her ability to dissect the game from both a technical and cultural perspective. Opponents, however, contended that the Norm Smith Medal is among the code's highest individual honours and that selection should rest with those who have accumulated extensive on-field accolades, arguing the decision risks appearing performative rather than merit-based. The debate reflected wider conversations about how the AFL recognizes and integrates diverse voices into its most visible roles, including match-day and post-match analysis.
The controversy arrives amid a busy period for the league, which has grappled with how it handles issues of racism and vilification. Earlier this season, McCarthy criticized AFL policies in the Rankine incident, saying zero tolerance in the policy documents should translate into real consequences on the field and in culture. Her comments on Triple M stressed the importance of consistency between policy language and its enforcement, adding nuance to how fans and players understand the league's ethics framework as scrutiny of the game’s culture continues.
Centre bounce for the grand final at the MCG is scheduled for 2.30pm on Saturday, with a capacity crowd of just over 100,000 anticipated. In a clash that has captured attention across the league, Brisbane are back in their third consecutive grand final appearance, aiming to win back-to-back premierships after a dominant performance against Sydney last year. Geelong, meanwhile, is seeking its first flag since their 2022 triumph over the Swans. The two teams’ histories add context to the day, even as the Norm Smith Medal debate highlights how fans are increasingly vocal about who should decide the game’s most pivotal moments.