- Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans will compete in the 2024 AFL Grand Final
- Coaches Chris Fagan and John Longmire will ring the bells on the day
- They agree on one major issue that they believe is robbing players
They may be against the grand final coaches, but Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans bosses Chris Fagan and John Longmire agree on one key issue that has been a bugbear for fans and players alike for years.
When the dust settles on Saturday’s AFL grand final at the MCG, only one team will receive premiership medals.
But in a cruel twist thanks to AFL rules, only the players who actually take the field will receive this award.
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 squads win premierships and all the guys who aren’t playing contribute just as much, so for me I think that makes sense.
“Every player on your list should receive a medal if you are lucky enough to win one.”
Lions coach Chris Fagan (right) believes all players used in a season should win a premiership medal if they make it to the grand final
Sydney Swans boss John Longmire backed his rival on the controversial issue
Swans coach Longmire agreed with the suggestion, nodding his head and saying: “I’m with Fages.”
It is an issue that has been raised many times in recent seasons, with Richmond premiership winner Trent Cotchin also calling for change.
“I certainly think they should,” Cotchin said on Channel 7.
“It takes a village to win one and everyone should be recognized for their contribution. I don’t think it’s meant for display. It is to know that you contributed to that premiership.’
Footy fans were also quick to agree with the coaches.
“All players who play during the year should get a medal to be honest,” one person wrote.
One of the biggest losers under the current rules is Lions ruck Oscar McInerney, who dislocated his shoulder twice during last weekend’s provisional 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 tremendous all season but will miss the grand final and possibly a premiership medal
The Lions are using McInerney as motivation and said he would still have a big role to play on grand final day off the field.
“We asked if ‘O’ could sit on the bench tomorrow and be a voice for the players, and he will be,” Fagan said.
“We’re going to try to play for him.”
Veteran Darcy Fort has been called up to replace McInerney, playing only his third game of the season and his first since round seven.
But Fagan said he had full confidence in Fort.
“Darcy Fort has been our number two ruckman all year – young Henry Smith is not far behind him but is slightly less experienced… he will be a logical replacement for Oscar,” Fagan told Fox Footy on Tuesday.
‘He’s (McInerney) a big loss, but Darcy Fort is also a man who really deserves a chance – he has so much understanding of playing the second fiddle role.’