AFL to recognise all squad players in a premiership season?

[Take_a_Screamer]

Not a bad idea...

Melbourne Demons coach Simon Goodwin calls for AFL to recognise all squad players in a premiership season

The AFL has had the idea of rings pitched by commercial companies multiple times over the years, and now Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly declared there was an 'opportunity' to explore the idea after 37 players were used by the Magpies in the 2023 premiership campaign - but only 23 players received medals.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/afl/article-13394085/Melbourne-Demons-coach-Simon-Goodwin-calls-AFL-recognise-squad-players-premiership-campaigns.html

[Jezza]

Not a fan of premiership rings. Just another excuse to Americanise the sport.

[Take_a_Screamer]

Oh is that where the idea comes from.

[stui magpie]

The idea was pitched to the AFL, they said No. Sticking with the Medals.

Listening to Daisy Thomas on MMM this morning he said the 2010 Premiership team commisioned their own rings and the club paid for them. A little more subtle and understated than the US ones.

I don't mind the idea of rings, they don't have to be garish, keep the medal for the players on the day and make rings after the event for everyone who contributed, players and staff.

[David]

Entirely dumb and pointless idea, which means there’s at least a 50% chance that the AFL will agree to it some day. Good to see sanity prevailed this time around at least.

[think positive]

id rather see extra medallions for McStay, Noble and sooky adams and maybe a couple of others who contributed during the season.

[What'sinaname]

Why is it pointless David?

As some players have said, you can actually wear a ring, but once you get a medallion, it just sits in a drawer.

[Harrysz]

If it's not broken don't fix it. Oops, that's an American expression. My apologies. What'sinaname, making something wearable doesn't make it more valuable or important. People get certificates and trophies and they can hardly wear those.

So how would this proposal work? Would a player who's an emergency for one match and not get a game, get a ring? What about substitutes who don't come on and don't get a game? I don't really see the point to this. Do we reward all of the coaches? What about the fitness staff? How about the tea lady? Clubs can separately reward whoever they want for a premiership. I'm not sure that this should be an AFL thing. If it's not broken..........

[Take_a_Screamer]

The suggestion has received mixed reactions across the game.

Matthew Lloyd not a fan of 'American rubbish' idea to introduce premiership rings
https://wwos.nine.com.au/afl/news-2024-premiership-rings-grand-final-matthew-lloyd-american-rubbish/ef6c6a68-3262-45f6-bc96-f26a268a4701

[Rd10.1998_11.1#36]

Recognizing players who contributed to the premiership - tick

Stupid ugly rings that cost a fortune and minimize the GF - cross

[David]

Yeah I forgot to mention they look like crap.

[winpies]

[qldmagpie67]

I wouldn’t be against giving medals to players who played say 8+ games for the season
The ring thing is generally done by the clubs in USA sport not the governing body.

[Skids]

Premiership rings to everyone who played during the season is a great idea.

As WIAN stated, a ring (unlike a medal) can be worn. They wouldn't have to be like the US 'chunky' style. A nicely designed Gold ring is a smart move forward.

[Jezza]