‘It’s ridiculous’:
Collingwood coach refuses to wear medal as debate rages over AFL ‘tyranny’

The debate over the AFL premiership medal has been reignited, with growing calls for coaches and players who were not part of the Grand Final victory to receive medals.

Every year there are stories of bad luck during Finals week, with key players heartbreakingly deprived of championship glory due to injury, selection or form.

This time, Collingwood’s unlucky ones were Dan McStay (injured in the preliminary final), Taylor Adams (who did not declare himself 100% fit to compete) and John Noble (eliminated in the final). despite playing 83 consecutive matches).

On the other hand, reserve player Pat Lipinski, small forward Jack Ginnivan and big man Billy Frampton all received medals after being included in Collingwood’s 23-man squad for the Grand Final.

The sight of uncompromising midfielder Adams in tears after the Magpies’ victory broke the hearts of football fans everywhere. This has prompted calls for championship medals to be awarded to the entire club’s playing list or at least to those who have played a match at some point during the season.

“That was one of the main reasons we were there, without Dan McStay scoring two goals in the preliminary round we probably wouldn’t have made it (to the final),” Collingwood’s Mason Cox said with Herald Sun .

“To be honest, it’s annoying to see them wearing medals around their necks. I will change it without hesitation. Without them, we would not be in this situation. “The fact that this happened (to McStay) in a preliminary bout is really upsetting.”

“Guys like John Noble and Tay Adams, that’s the worst thing you would wish on someone.

“I don’t know what the decision will be, but it seems wrong not to give them a medal.”

Gerard Whateley said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360:
“We have a tyranny that only applies to 23.”

Magpies coach Craig McRae said he was open to the idea of ​​awarding more medals, adding that he believed the wider coaching group should also be recognised.

“I’m definitely of the view that we wouldn’t have gotten to the Grand Final without Dan McStay,” McRae said on AFL 360.

“My feeling is that they should get a medal. I’m not sure how long it is. I’ll let others debate that. But I think if you play one game during the season that will be the measure of it. Dan McStay, Taylor Adams, John Noble – this trophy wouldn’t exist without them.

“I think the same thing for coaches. They gave me this medal (the Jock McHale medal) on stage and I haven’t worn it since because it doesn’t represent all the coaches. “It’s ironic that the industry only sees me as the cause. These cuts are representative of all of our employees. Players get medals and win championships, but the coaching staff helps them succeed.

But Collingwood premier Tony Shaw in 1990 disagreed, writing on X:
“Not every player on the list received a top medal. It’s difficult and brutal, but I don’t think a non-competitive player would be comfortable with it.

“This is all about internal recognition in one form or another. Are you a ship player or not?

There are countless bad luck stories of stalwarts and stars who missed out on top medals over the years:Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge presented Bob Murphy with a medal following his ACL tear during the 2016 season.

Sydney’s Ben McGlynn missed the Swans’ 2012 premiership due to injury despite playing in 21 of the 22 regular season matches.

Crows legend Tony Modra was unable to win a premiership medal after injury prevented him from winning Adelaide’s 1997 and 1998 Grand Finals.

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Since 1927, E.W. The Copeland Trophy was awarded to Collingwood’s best and fairest in AFL.