Bulldogs' Brownlow blur

The morning after the biggest night of his best-ever season, Brownlow Medalist Adam Cooney was feeling 'seedy' and struggling for words to describe his achievement.

The night before was still a blur for the 22-year-old, who conceded to the media at Southbank on Tuesday that he didn't rate his 2008 as a 'Brownlow season'.

Cooney claimed the game's most coveted individual prize with 24 votes, one clear of 2002 Brownlow Medalist Simon Black of the Brisbane Lions with pre-count favourite Gary Ablett and Richmond veteran Matthew Richardson tied for third on 22 votes.

"It was probably my most consistent year personally, but I was maybe still inconsistent at times," Cooney said.

"But I suppose you can never tell, can you?"

Asked whether he had 'Brownlow bonus' built into his contract, Cooney smiled and said, 'I might have'.

Cooney paid tribute to Scott West, the veteran Bulldogs midfielder who was twice a Brownlow runner-up in 2000 and 2006 and third behind Robert Harvey 10 years ago.

"Pretty much since I got to the club he's been the main man in the midfield, so he's taught me a lot about how to play in the midfield," Cooney said.

"He was obviously really happy and gave me a few kisses on the cheek."

Cooney said he kept his medal close by during the little sleep he managed to snatch in between fielding calls throughout the night from family and friends.

He said he was looking forward to a rest and some time to himself once the frenzy has died down and the sooner the focus returns to Saturday's Grand Final, the better.

Asked for his grand final tip, Cooney said: "Both teams are obviously very physical sides and they’re the best two teams in the comp and they've shown that all year," he said.

"I'm tipping an upset - the Hawks, just."