Nat Fyfe has mixed feelings about umpires being given access to stats before casting their Brownlow votes, with the two-time winner warning of the loss of a “humanness” element to the award.

The AFL on Wednesday confirmed whistleblowers would be able to cast their eye over 17 statistical categories immediately after each match, to help inform their decision on which players poll.

It comes after increased criticism around perceived voting anomalies in recent seasons.

“The Brownlow Medal is the most prestigious individual award in the AFL competition. Field umpires who are entrusted to vote are instructed to take time, care and thoughtfully deliberate before reaching a unanimous decision to ensure the integrity of the award is upheld,” the AFL’s executive general manager of football performance Greg Swann said.

“While statistics can provide useful and reliable data, the essence of the award is clearly set out on the ballot paper. It is the subjective opinion of the field umpires that will determine the voting for the award and the umpires are acutely aware of the importance of the award and the standing in which Brownlow Medallists are held in the game.”

Fyfe recorded Brownlow wins in 2015 and 2019 and holds the AFL record for highest average votes across a completed career - 0.81 - under the modern system.

The recently-retired Fremantle great said there were pros and cons to changing the umpires’ voting process.

“I think some humanness, a little bit of error, keeps things interesting,” Fyfe said on Seven.

“A few anomalies here and there maybe is not the worst thing.

“But yeah, some of those big omissions... it would be helpful to take the pressure off the umpires in those situations.”

Umpires will get their first look at the new process for next Thursday’s season opener between Sydney and Carlton.