- Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans will contest the 2024 AFL Grand Final
- Coaches Chris Fagan and John Longmire will face off that day.
- They are united on a key issue that they believe robs players
They may be opposite coaches in the grand final, but Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans bosses Chris Fagan and John Longmire are united on a key issue that has been an issue for fans and players for many years.
When the dust settles on the AFL grand final at the MCG on Saturday, only one team will be awarded premiership medals.
But in a cruel twist thanks to AFL rules, only players who actually take the field will receive this accolade.
Speaking at the annual coaches’ press conference before the grand final parade on Friday, Fagan said every player who took part in the season should receive a medal.
“I think the whole team should get medals,” Fagan said.
“Teams win games, but teams win premierships and all the guys who don’t play contribute as much, so I think that makes logical sense.”
“Every player on your roster should receive a medal if you’re lucky enough to win it.”
Lions coach Chris Fagan (right) believes every player used in a season should win a premiership medal if they reach the grand final.
Sydney Swans boss John Longmire backed his rival on the controversial issue
Swans coach Longmire agreed with the suggestion, nodded and said: “I’m with Fages.”
It has been a topic that has come up many times over recent seasons, with Richmond premiership winner Trent Cotchin also calling for a change.
“I definitely think they should do it,” Cotchin said on Channel 7.
‘It takes a village to win one and everyone must be recognized for their contribution. I think it’s not for show. It’s knowing that you contributed to that premiership.
Football fans also agreed with the coaches.
“To be fair, every player who plays during the year should receive a medal,” one posted.
One of the biggest losers from the current rules is Lions ruckman Oscar McInerney, who dislocated his shoulder twice in last weekend’s preliminary final win over Geelong.
Magpies players Jamie Elliott (left) and Darcy Moore celebrate with their premiership medals after winning the 2023 grand final.
Brisbane Lions ruck Oscar McInerney has been huge all season but will miss the grand final and potentially a premiership medal.
The Lions are using McInerney as motivation and said he would still have a huge role to play in the big final day off the court.
“We asked that ‘O’ could sit on the bench tomorrow and be some sort of voice for the players, and he will be,” Fagan said.
“We’ll go out and try to play for him.”
Veteran ruck Darcy Fort has been called up to replace McInerney and will play in just his third game of the season and first since round seven.
But Fagan said he had complete confidence in Fort.
“Darcy Fort has been our number two ruckman all year; young Henry Smith isn’t too far behind him but he’s a little less experienced… he’ll be a logical replacement for Oscar,” Fagan told Fox Footy on Tuesday .
“It’s (McInerney) a big loss, but equally Darcy Fort is a guy who really deserves a chance – he’s been very understanding in playing second fiddle.”