Who won the first Norm Smith Medal in 1979?

Wayne Harmes won the first Norm Smith Medal in 1979.

Harmes received the inaugural Norm Smith Medal after Carlton defeated Collingwood in the 1979 VFL Grand Final. The award recognised him as the best player on the ground in the premiership decider.

The medal was named after Norm Smith, the legendary Melbourne coach and former player. Smith died in 1973, and the VFL introduced the medal in 1979 to honour his influence on the sport and his success in Grand Finals.

Carlton defeated Collingwood by 5 points in the match, winning 11.16 (82) to 11.11 (77). Harmes was a dynamic wingman whose running and attacking play made him a key figure in the final. Later Norm Smith Medal winners include notable players such as Gary Ablett Sr, James Hird and Andrew McLeod.