Player of the Match

In sport, a man of the match award is given to the outstanding player—almost always the one who makes the most impact—in a particular match. The term was originally used more often in cricket before being adopted by other sports. This can be a player from either team, usually the winning team.

Some sports have unique traditions regarding these sorts of awards, and they are especially sought after in championship or all-star matches. In some sports organisations and leagues, particularly in the United States, the term "most valuable player" (MVP) is used for some of these awards; depending on the circumstances, there may be a distinction between a player of the game and an MVP—an MVP may be considered the player most directly responsible for his team's success, while a player of the game is typified by an outstanding individual effort. In Australia, "best and fairest" is used; likewise, this award has the additional stipulation of requiring the winner to have used fair play and not have been levied a suspension during the season. In ice hockey, three players of the game instead of only one, called the "three stars", are recognised.

In association football, the award typically goes to a player on the winning side. Players who score a hat-trick, or goalkeepers who keep a clean sheet under resounding pressure often get the award. Hat-trick scorers usually receive the match ball whether or not they are officially named man of the match. However, not all tournaments/leagues have an official man of the match award, so sometimes accolades are given by websites/newspapers instead. In the Premier League for example a player will receive a small black and gold trophy, 20 centimeters in height, 6.4 centimeters in width and 6.4 centimeters in depth, for their man of the match performance.

In Australian rules football, the player of the game is often referred to as having been the "best on ground" (or "BOG"). Media outlets provide immediate, unofficial recognition that is largely honorary, often on a 5–4–3–2–1 or 3–2–1 voting basis. Players may receive a Tissot watch as an award for their "best on ground" performance. Officially, the AFL recognises the player of the game as being the player awarded the maximum three votes by umpires in the Brownlow Medal count at season's end. Exceptions are made during the season for certain reserved games such as the Western Derby, The ANZAC Day clash, QClash, and Showdown, where medallions are officially rewarded in presentations following the conclusion of the match. On the day of the AFL Grand Final, a player will be awarded the Norm Smith Medal as being the best on ground voted by an independent panel of Australian rules football experts.

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