Collingwood coach Craig McRae has thrown his voice behind calls for AFL premierships medals to be awarded to players from the winning club who did not feature on grand final day.
Key points:
- Craig McRae says he has not worn his medal since Saturday as “it doesn’t represent all of our coaches”
- Taylor Adams and Daniel McStay were ruled out through injury, while John Noble was overlooked
- Mason Cox says Dan McStay’s prelim final injury was “shattering”
Debate has raged since the Magpies’ epic four-point win over the Brisbane Lions last Saturday about how players who missed out should be recognised.
It comes after Collingwood stalwart Taylor Adams and key forward Daniel McStay were ruled out through injury and John Noble was overlooked at selection.
Noble played all 23 home-and-away games but was left out of the team for the finals series.
As it stands, only those who play in the winning team on grand final day — plus the senior coach — receive a medal.
Magpies ruck-forward Mason Cox has been particularly strong in his belief that the entire playing squad should be awarded medals.
“They were a big reason why we were there, without Dan McStay kicking two goals in the prelim we probably don’t make it [to the grand final],” Cox told The Herald Sun on Sunday.
“It is frustrating to not see them have a medal around their neck to be honest. I would change it in a heartbeat. Without them we are not in this situation.
“To have that happen [to McStay] in a prelim is f***ing shattering.”
“Guys like John Noble and Tay Adams [who were both injured during the finals series], 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.”
McRae agreed players who had featured at some stage during the season should be recognised.
“My view is I think they should get a medal,” McRae told Fox Footy.
“To what length, I’m not sure. I’ll leave others to debate that.
“But I think if you’ve played a game, particularly, in the season — I think that should be a measure of it.
“Dan McStay, Taylor Adams, John Noble … that cup’s not there without those guys.”
McRae was awarded the Jock McHale Medal as the premiership coach and believes assistant coaches should also be recognised.
“They gave it to me on stage and I haven’t worn it since because it doesn’t represent all of our coaches,” McRae said.
Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly on Monday confirmed the club is looking at ways to recognise players, coaches and staff who played roles in the premiership.
It was the Magpies’ 16th AFL/VFL premiership, drawing them level with old rivals Carlton and Essendon at the top of the tree.
AAP/ABC
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Source: AFL NEWS ABC
