AFL 2024: Chris Fagan and John Longmire agree on premiership medals

The opposing AFL grand final coaches are united when it comes to a yearly hot-button issue.

Brisbane ruckman Oscar McInerney deserves a premiership medal if the Lions win the grand final, according to coach Chris Fagan. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan is adamant every player on a club’s list should receive a premiership medal even if they do not play in the grand final.

Fagan and Sydney counterpart John Longmire both voiced their support for a change to how premiership medals were awarded as stars Callum Mills and Oscar McInerney prepare to watch from the sidelines at the MCG on Saturday.

Both clubs have asked the AFL for approval to have the senior players sit on the interchange bench during the game.

Mills spent much of the home-and-away season in a game-day role while recovering from shoulder surgery and a subsequent calf setback.

Brisbane has asked for injured ruckman Oscar McInerney to sit on the interchange bench during the grand final. Picture: Lachie Millard

“We asked for ‘O’ (McInerney) to be able to sit on the bench tomorrow and be a bit of a voice for the players, which he will be,” Fagan said on Friday.

“We’ll go out there trying to play for him.”

Mills and McInerney will miss out on premiership medals should their respective sides win the decider, but Fagan said it made “logical sense” for absent players to be recognised the same way.

“I think the whole squad should get medals. You know, teams win matches but squads win premierships,” he said.

“All the boys who don’t play contribute just as much. So for me, I think that makes logical sense that every player on your list should receive a medal if you’re lucky enough to win one.”

Sydney captain Callum Mills was ruled out of the grand final on Wednesday after attempting to press his case following a hamstring injury earlier this month. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“I agree with Fages,” Longmire said when asked for his own view.

A new Ron Barassi Medal will be awarded this season to the captain of the winning side, with the first edition to be presented by the oldest living VFL-AFL premiership captain, Geelong legend Fred Wooller.

Dual Coleman medallist and former West Coast forward Josh Kennedy will deliver the premiership cup to the MCG, and either Leigh Matthews (Brisbane) or Stuart Maxfield (Sydney) will present it to the winning captain and coach.

Four-time premiership coach David Parkin will present the Jock McHale Medal, and 2007 Norm Smith medallist Steve Johnson will present the medal to the best player afield.

Originally published as AFL 2024: Chris Fagan and John Longmire agree on premiership medals