How we score: raw points, normalized ratings and Dally M Sim

Raw points: add every 3, 2 and 1

For a player with 12 first-choice votes, two second-choice votes and no third-choice votes, the raw score is (12 × 3) + (2 × 2) = 40. This is direct support in points. A match with 100 ballots distributes 600 raw points, while one with 10 distributes 60, so season totals also reflect participation.

Normalized scoring: equal available weight per match

Divide the player's raw points by the match's total available points, then multiply by 100. If those 40 points came from a match with 20 ballots, the normalized score is 40 ÷ (20 × 6) × 100 = 33.3. Season normalized scores sum the match values; they are a cumulative rating, not a season-wide percentage or a per-appearance average.

Dally M Sim: two simulated judges

Players are ranked within each match by weighted raw points. The first simulated judge awards 3–2–1 to the top three. If the top player has more than 50% of first-choice votes, the second judge repeats that order, producing 6, 4 and 2 points. Otherwise, the second judge swaps first and second, producing 5, 5 and 2. Players below the top three receive zero simulation points.

This is Best on Ground's model, not official judging. It does not apply suspensions, eligibility deductions or other official award rules. The maximum is six per player per match, regardless of voter count. Equal weighted match totals retain the underlying scoring function's input order, so a tie is not evidence that one player was preferred by more fans.

The simulation top ten under all three scoring methods

Player	Raw points	Normalized rating	Sim points
Nathan ClearyPanthers	777	498.8	77
Kalyn PongaKnights	516	313.8	55
Sualauvi FaalogoStorm	428	314.0	47
Herbie FarnworthDolphins	370	288.3	47
Thomas JenkinsPanthers	427	257.6	44
James TedescoRoosters	502	267.2	42
Braydon TrindallSharks	454	299.2	42
Dylan EdwardsPanthers	479	286.1	41
Matt BurtonBulldogs	231	197.8	39
Isaiya KatoaDolphins	308	256.0	37

Which view should you use?

Use raw points to inspect the volume of support, normalized ratings to give each voted match the same available weight, and simulation points to follow a match-award race. None removes selection bias from voluntary fan voting. Always check the ballot count, and use the match and player pages to see where a total came from.