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Jimmy Bartel declined to vote on Norm Smith Medal because of a shot at $350,000

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Geelong great Jimmy Bartel has revealed he declined to vote on the Norm Smith Medal in last weekend's grand final because he had a running wager which could have netted him $350,000.

Bartel revealed on Tuesday at a TAB lunch launching its spring racing carnival that he had been asked by the AFL to vote on the individual award he had won in 2011 against Collingwood.

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However, he already had a running wager, including three horse races, of which he had been successful, into Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin claiming the Norm Smith Medal against the Adelaide Crows. When Bartel made the bet, Vlastuin had been 100-1 to win.

The AFL had asked Bartel whether he could scrap the wager but the retired star said it was too late.

"I couldn't cash out because you can't cash out on multis, so I let it run," Bartel said.

"I was watching the races on a Friday night ... and I got the shock of my life when I learnt I was still in the running to win $350,000. I have never been a big punter but I thought this multi was a way of having an interest."

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He then quipped: "When the money started to mount up, I was starting to feel confident. That's why I told the AFL I can't possibly vote on the award because you know who I would be voting for."

While on 3AW on Saturday, Bartel said he had quipped to his fellow commentators "to make a big a deal" about Vlastuin whenever he had a disposal.

On a day the Tigers ended 37 years of frustration, Dustin Martin, with 13 votes, was crowned Norm Smith, with Bachar Houli (10) also polling well. Alex Rance (2), Shane Edwards (2), Dion Prestia (2) and Jack Graham (1) were also in the votes.

Originally published on theage.com.au as 'Jimmy Bartel declined to vote on Norm Smith Medal because of a shot at $350,000 '.