This is something that I have believed for many years but it's never really been of relevance to Melbourne. It may still not be if we lose the Grand Final but it's something that I believe strongly in.

 

All players who play in a premiership team during the year should be regarded as "Premiership Players".

 

I've heard a few people mention it in the media recently and Angus Brayshaw brought it up on the latest Gus & Gawny podcast in relation to Nathan Jones. 

At the end of the day, premierships aren't just won on Grand Final day and there needs to be recognition of all players who helped contribute to the success.  It doesn't mean that all players necessarily receive a premiership medallion, but there does need to be something to acknowledge them.

Edited September 15, 20214 yr by Clint Bizkit

Easiest thing for the AFL would be to have a Premiership Medallion, and then a different colour/or design for players who played during the season or were injured and missed the GF.

It's recognition but still keeps the "importance" of the Premiership Medallion, certain people view that as sacrosanct so don't see it changing. 

 

I've been a big believer of this as well and have been for a while.

I look at the Jayden Hunt situation this year where he's pretty much played all season and contributed immensely to the position we are in now and doesn't feel right that he's pretty much missed out.

 

They discussed this on "On the Couch" this week, and while I think they should intro an acknowledgement medal for those to were part of the squad or team over the season, Garry was convincing that the players all want to win the Premiership match (be in the team that does the work) and that this is special for those who are in it and known to those who aren't...

I.e. Would Tomlinson be just as happy to win the premiership squad medal or play in and deliver for himself and the club the actual premiership victory and get the real premiership medal..?

Unfortunately for those unlucky to miss out its a win-lose game that decides the season and place in history, it should stay as it is (happy for a secondary medal, but it would have minimal value)...

 

Edited September 15, 20214 yr by PaulRB

Was thinking the same thing, after Tomlison went down.😔

6 minutes ago, PaulRB said:

They discussed this on "On the Couch" this week, and while I think they should intro an acknowledgement medal for those to were part of the squad or team over the season, Garry was convincing that the players all want to win the Premiership match (be in the team that does the work) and that this is special for those who are in it and known to those who aren't...

I.e. Would Tomlinson be just as happy to win the premiership squad medal or play in and deliver for himself and the club the actual premiership victory and get the real premiership medal..?

Unfortunately for those unlucky to miss out its a win-lose game that decides the season and place in history, it should stay as it is (happy for a secondary medal, but it would have minimal value)...

 

Very good point you make, having to see a medal for not having played in the GF will not be the same.