AFL grand final coaches call for change amid fresh debate over widely-despised tradition

Every grand final week in recent memory has featured the debate of whether all players in a premiership-winning team's squad should receive a premiership medal or whether it should remain that just the selected 22 - or since the addition of the medical sub 23 - players should receive the cherished medal. And those calls for change have been reignited this time by AFL grand final coaches John Longmire and Chris Fagan. In the 2024 grand final the Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans both have a key player set to painstakingly miss out despite playing crucial roles in getting each team to the big dance.

Sydney captain Callum Mills and Brisbane ruckman Oscar McInerney, will both miss out on Saturday's grand final through injury. Mills was ruled out on Wednesday, with Sydney deciding not to risk their skipper who has been sidelined the last fortnight with a hamstring injury. While McInerney, who has missed just one game this season, dislocated his shoulder in the win over Geelong and was subsequently ruled out this week.

And if the pain of missing out on a grand final isn't enough, not being awarded a winners medal despite helping your team take out the top prize is equally as agonising. This was perfectly illustrated last year when Taylor Adams cast a shattered figure after Collingwood's win over Brisbane in the 2023 AFL grand final.

The veteran Magpie missed the decider due to a hamstring injury and watched on from the sidelines as the Pies scored an epic 12.18 (90) to 13.8 (86) victory to secure their 16th premiership and first since 2010. While Adams would have been undoubtedly rapt for his teammates and bursting with pride, he also was devastated to have missed the grand final and not be awarded a medal.

And ahead of the 2024 grand final, when asked about his stance on the matter Fagan said without a doubt every squad member should be awarded a winners medal. "I think the whole squad should get medals," Fagan said in Friday's captains and coaches press conference before the Grand Final parade.

"Teams win matches but squads win premierships and all the boys that don't play contribute just as much so for me I think that makes logical sense. Every player on your list should receive a medal if you are lucky enough to win one." Swans coach Longmire agreed simply nodding his head and saying, "I'm with Fages".

What's stopping the AFL from awarding every player a medal?

Like any good debate, there are two sides to every argument. And many argue there are many ways that these squad players can be honoured and recognised for their contribution without a grand final winners medal. Giving the medal to every team member would also arguably take some of the shine away from the honour as there would be certain instances where someone who didn't play in the grand final would also have played a limited role in the team's success.

But last year former Richmond captain Trent Cotchin said the AFL should follow what the NBA and MLB do in America and give a ring (or medal in this case) to everyone who features for the winning team throughout the season. “I definitely think they should," Cotchin said on Channel 7. "It takes a village to win one and everyone should be recognised for the contribution. I think it’s not to put on show. It’s to know that you contributed to that premiership.”

RELATED:

• Lachie Neale swipes Collingwood as fans call out final deciding 'omen'

• Nick Riewoldt's return locked in as AFL great replaces Luke Darcy

• AFL world left shattered over awful tragedy before grand final

Injured Oscar McInerney handed special role for AFL grand final

Fagan says although injured ruck McInerney won't be out on the field on Saturday afternoon, he could still have a very important role in the big dance. "We asked for ‘O’ to be able to sit on the bench tomorrow and be a bit of a voice for the players, which he will be,” Fagan noted during Friday's presser. "We’ll go out there trying to play for him."

In his place veteran second ruck Darcy Fort will play his first game since Round 7, and his third match for 2024. Speaking to Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Tuesday night, Fagan said he has full faith in Fort.

“Darcy Fort’s been our number two ruckman all year - young Henry Smith’s not too far behind him, but a little bit less experienced… he’ll be a logical replacement for Oscar,” Fagan said. “He’s (McInerney) a big loss, but equally, Darcy Fort is a guy who really deserves an opportunity - he’s been so understanding of playing the role of second fiddle.”