Geelong champion Tom Stewart apologises for podium snub after AFL Grand Final triumph

Geelong defender Tom Stewart has apologised for his treatment of a young Auskicker during the AFL grand final presentation.

Geelong defender Tom Stewart is under fire for his treatment of a young Auskicker during the AFL grand final medal presentation.

Oh dear, Tom Stewart.

The Geelong Cats defender has copped backlash for his treatment of a young Auskicker during Saturday’s AFL grand final medal presentation at the MCG.

It has become a cherished tradition for the 23 Auskicker of the Year nominations to present the premiership medals to the victorious players at the season finale, but Stewart absolutely botched the exchange after Geelong’s 81-point victory over the Sydney Swans.

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After a young girl draped the medal around Stewart’s neck, the four-time All-Australian ignored her handshake offer and triumphantly raised his arms in the air.

To make matters worse, the 29-year-old accidentally knocked the young girl’s hat off her head before hustling off the podium.

Can’t blame Tom Stewart for celebrating. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Speaking on Channel 9’s Sports Sunday the following morning, Stewart apologised for his mistake and declared that he’d like to give the Auskicker a gift.

“I just want to reach out to the young girl who gave me my premiership medal yesterday,” he said on Sunday morning.

“I got a bit overwhelmed and bit excited and ended up knocking her hat off her head.

“I would like to give her a little gift so if anyone knows her, reach out to me on my socials.”

In comparison, Geelong captain Joel Selwood was showered with praise after gifting young Auskicker Archie Stockdale his boots upon receiving his medal.

Can't handle how adorable this moment with Joel Selwood and Archie, the NAB AFL Auskicker of the year is!#AFLGFpic.twitter.com/WnApeeZrxS

— AFL (@AFL) September 24, 2022

Hawthorn Hawks ruckman David Hale was panned for a similar incident during the 2015 grand final, but later apologised for the blunder.

After shrugging off an early tag, Stewart registered 16 disposals and 277 metres during Geelong’s 20.13 (133) to 8.4 (52) victory in the Victorian capital.

Geelong defender Tom Stewart is under fire for his treatment of a young Auskicker during the AFL grand final medal presentation.

The talented defender, who has represented Geelong 126 times since making his AFL debut in 2017, has attracted scrutiny this season for a number of off-the-ball hits.

Earlier this year, Stewart received a four-week suspension for a crude bump on Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia.

Tom Stewart leaving that little girl hanging and then knocking the cap right off her head 😬 #AFLGF

— Sarah McPhee (@_SarahMcPhee) September 24, 2022

Tom Stewart. pic.twitter.com/qoBTho0oZd

— Jordy D (@d33_jordy) September 24, 2022

At least one very disappointed child left the MCG earlier this evening #AFLGF Not a good look Tom Stewart!

— Jonnybeegood 🌈 (@Jonnybeegood1) September 24, 2022

Geelong, the oldest team in AFL history, were dominant throughout the year, entering the grand final against Sydney on a 15-game winning streak.

The Cats were undeniably the best team all year, winning the minor premiership by eight points and dominating the Brisbane Lions in the preliminary final.

Their performances on the field have been exceptional, but their celebrations were arguably even better.

Brilliant scenes. Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

During the victory lap in front of thousands of excited Cats fans at the MCG, Selwood spotted Sam Moorfoot, who plays for the Geelong Dragons in the Football Integration Development Association, in the crowd.

The 29-year-old, who has Down syndrome, has become a fixture at the Cats since 2015, well-known among the playing group as their spiritual leader.

Although Moorfoot couldn’t get his medal on his own grand final day, Selwood made sure he didn’t miss out on his big day.

After helping him over the barrier and onto the MCG, Cats teammate Jeremy Cameron took off his own medal and put it around Moorfoot’s neck.

Sammy our Spiritual Leader 💙 #Untameablepic.twitter.com/jORQsoG61U

— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) September 24, 2022

The face when he invites him onto the ground. https://t.co/EKwWdB72vo

— Barrie Cassidy (@barriecassidy) September 24, 2022

“I think Joel is amazing. A great role model but also a little bit cheeky. He treats me like a brother and always looks out for me,” Moorfoot said.

“There isn’t one player at Geelong that isn’t kind and supportive. They are all my mates.”

It came after tear-jerking moments before the game when Cats champion Gary Ablett Jr.’s son Levi was carried onto the field by Selwood, leading the premiers onto the MCG.