AFL fans are yet again calling for a change to the rules around who receives a premiership medal, after it was revealed on Sunday that Lions coach Chris Fagan has parted ways with his for a second year running. Xander McGuire of Channel 7 reported on Sunday that Fagan gifted his medal to midfielder Jarrod Berry, who didn’t play in the grand final against Geelong because of a shoulder injury.
Berry played 24 of a possible 26 games this year, but doesn’t receive a medal because he didn’t play in the decider. Only players who featured in the grand final receive a premiership medal – a rule that’s been debated for years.
Chris Fagan (L) has gifted his premiership medal for the second year in a row. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
It was the same situation with Oscar McInerney last year, and on that occasion Fagan gifted his medal to the injured ruckman. On Sunday, McGuire revealed that Fagan has repeated the classy gesture for Berry, who made the selfless decision not to play himself.
“Chris Fagan has once again given his premiership medal away – this time to Jarrod Berry after he missed with a dislocated shoulder,” McGuire wrote on social media. “Fagan gave his medal to Oscar McInerney last year, but still has both of his Jock McHale medals in his possession.”
Jarrod Berry (R) didn’t receive a medal despite playing 24 of a possible 26 games this year. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Renewed debate after revelation about Chris Fagan
As McGuire pointed out, Fagan has received four medals in the last two years because the winning coach also receives the Jock McHale medal. It would make his decision to part ways with two premiership medals a whole lot easier.
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But the revelation that Fagan once again felt compelled to give away a medal has sparked renewed calls for the AFL to act. One person wrote: “Every player who played say 8 games in a season should get a medal. That’s how they do it in most leagues. It should be retrospective so Bob Murphy and Derek Kickett get a medal.”
Another wrote: “Medals should go to any player who played a game during the season.” While a third added: “When is the AFL going to get into the real world and give the whole squad a medal. Don’t have to present them on the day but it’s a whole squad approach to winning a grand final not just the team on the ground on the day.”
AFL has been urged to change the rules for years
Speaking before last year’s grand final, Fagan and Sydney Swans coach John Longmire both called for change. “I think the whole squad should get medals,” Fagan said. “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 simply said: “I’m with Fages”.
After the 2023 decider in which the likes of Taylor Adams and Dan McStay missed out on a medal, Collingwood player Mason Cox said: “I would change it in a heartbeat. Without them (injured players) we are not in this situation. To have that happen is f***ing shattering.
“Guys like John Noble and Tay Adams, it is something you wouldn’t wish on the worst person. I don’t know what the ruling would be but it just seems wrong to not have them with a medal.”