Which Australian rules football player won the first Norm Smith Medal in 1970?

Peter Bedford won the first Norm Smith Medal in 1970.

Bedford received the inaugural medal after starring for South Melbourne in the 1970 VFL Grand Final. The award recognises the best player on the field in the premiership decider and is named after Norm Smith, the celebrated Melbourne coach and former player.

The 1970 Grand Final was played between Carlton and Collingwood before a huge crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Carlton won the match, but Bedford was selected as the game’s outstanding individual performer.

Bedford later played for Richmond and became one of the notable dual-club figures of his era. The Norm Smith Medal has since become one of the most prestigious individual honours in Australian rules football.