AFL Grand Final: Geelong star Cam Guthrie thinks whole squad should be awarded premiership medals

Geelong premiership star Cam Guthrie has thrown his support behind awarding premiership medals to the entire winning squad after Geelong’s triumph.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Max Holmes of the Cats during the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade on September 23, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Geelong premiership star Cam Guthrie has thrown his support behind awarding premiership medals to the entire winning squad after Geelong’s triumph.

Young gun Max Holmes was the heartbreak story of 2022 after suffering a hamstring injury in the preliminary final win and missing the grand final.

Guthrie said Holmes was not the only one in the squad that deserved to be recognised for his contributions this season.

“I think that would be a nice touch, so many people have their contributions throughout the year and it sets people up that are playing on the day to win it,” he said.

“I believe that they’re well and truly a part of it, the players, staff, coaches, our fans and members, everyone has done their part so I’m really proud of all of them.

Max Holmes of the Cats during the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade on September 23, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Darrian Traynor

“Max has been super, he’s been around the boys last night (Saturday) and this morning, he’s going to be a really good player, he’s a really good player already.

“He’s got a long career ahead of him, it’s such a shame he couldn’t cap his year off because he’s been excellent for us.

“A couple of guys are in that category, Sam Menegola as well to miss out, being really good players and good people too is heartbreaking.”

Cameron Guthrie of the Cats (R) and Joel Selwood of the Cats hold the premiership cup. Picture: Daniel Pockett

Guthrie knows what it is like to miss out in a premiership year, with the gun midfielder playing in the first two games of the 2011 season before not appearing again as the Cats marched on to claim their third flag in five years.

He said the success tasted sweeter after the 11-year wait.

“They’re super hard to win, we know that from experience,” he said.

Cats post-GF family day at St Mary's Oval, Kardinia Park. Cam Guthrie, Patty Dangerfield and Tom Hawkins. Picture: Mike Dugdale

“I felt like (2011) might have been a bit of a missed opportunity.

“I think I’ve maybe grown a little bit wiser over the years and it’s probably nice to have been here from the start building towards this 2022 premiership.

“To be a premiership player now is amazing.”

Originally published as AFL Grand Final: Geelong star Cam Guthrie thinks whole squad should be awarded premiership medals