As controversy about the ‘tyranny’ of the AFL rages, Collingwood’s coach says that wearing the medal is “ridiculous.”
There are rising requests for coaches and players who didn’t participate in a Grand Final victory to deserve medals, reigniting the controversy over the AFL premiership medal.
In Grand Final week each year, there are unfortunate incidents where vital players are heartbreakingly denied the ultimate premiership triumph due to an injury, a poor pick, or poor form.
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This time, Collingwood’s unlucky players were John Noble, who was benched for the finals despite playing 83 straight games, Taylor Adams, who declared himself not 100 percent fit to play, and Dan McStay, who was hurt in the preliminary final.
However, after being added to Collingwood’s 23-man Grand Final roster, substitute Pat Lipinski, small forward Jack Ginnivan, and big man Billy Frampton all got medals.
After the Magpies’ victory, the image of feisty midfielder Adams in tears pierced the hearts of football fans everywhere.
It has spurred demands that either a club’s entire playing roster, or at the very least those who participated in a game at some point throughout the season, receive premiership medals.
Without Dan McStay’s two goals in the preliminary round, Collingwood’s Mason Cox told the Herald Sun, “They were a significant reason why we were there. We definitely wouldn’t make it (to the grand final).
To be honest, it is disappointing to not see them wearing a medal around their neck. In an instant, I would change it. Without them, we wouldn’t be in this predicament.
“To have that happen (to McStay) in a preliminary is f***ing shattering.”
“You wouldn’t wish it on the worst person, guys like John Noble and Tay Adams.
It just seems terrible to not have them with a medal, regardless of the verdict.
On Fox Footy’s AFL 360, Gerard Whateley stated: “We have a tyranny that it’s only for the 23.”
Craig McRae, the coach of the Magpies, stated that he was amenable to the idea of awarding more medals and that he thought it was important to recognise the entire coaching staff.
On AFL 360, McRae stated, “I’m without a doubt of the opinion that we don’t make the Grand Final without Dan McStay.
“In my opinion, they ought to receive a medal. I’m not certain how far. I’ll let others argue that point. But in my opinion, if you participated in a game during the season, it should serve as a benchmark. Without Dan McStay, Taylor Adams, and John Noble, that cup wouldn’t exist.
“I feel the same way about coaches. This was their gift (the Jock McHale).
On Fox Footy’s AFL 360, Gerard Whateley stated: “We have a tyranny that it’s only for the 23.”
Craig McRae, the coach of the Magpies, stated that he was amenable to the idea of awarding more medals and that he thought it was important to recognise the entire coaching staff.
On AFL 360, McRae stated, “I’m without a doubt of the opinion that we don’t make the Grand Final without Dan McStay.
“In my opinion, they ought to receive a medal. I’m not certain how far. I’ll let others argue that point. But in my opinion, if you participated in a game during the season, it should serve as a benchmark. Without Dan McStay, Taylor Adams, and John Noble, that cup wouldn’t exist.
“I feel the same way about coaches. This was their gift (the Jock McHale).
Bob Murphy received Beveridge’s medal after suffering an ACL tear during the 2016 campaign.
Ben McGlynn of Sydney missed the Swans’ 2012 championship due to injury after appearing in 21 of 22 regular-season contests. Tony Modra, a legendary member of the Crows, was sadly forced to miss the 1997 and 1998 Grand Finals due to injuries, which prevented him from earning a championship medal.
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