Melbourne Demons coach Simon Goodwin calls on AFL to recognize all team players in premiership season

Melbourne Demons coach Simon Goodwin has thrown his support behind the idea of ​​giving rings to squad members “unrecognized” as they should be – despite reluctance from the AFL.

The AFL has entertained the idea of ​​rings launched by commercial companies several times over the years, and now Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly says there is an “opportunity” to explore the he idea after 37 players were used by the Magpies in the 2023 premiership campaign – but only 23 players received medals.

A prototype was even made, but the prohibitive cost, which could run into the millions, prevented the AFL from pursuing the idea, with any progress having to be a club-led initiative.

Goodwin, who enjoyed premiership success in 2021 with the Demons, said players who did not feature in the grand final “weren’t recognized in the way they should have been” and said rings for everyone were a good idea.

“There are guys who made a significant contribution to our team that year and to our club over a long period of time who probably haven’t been recognized the way they should have been,” he said Wednesday.

Melbourne Demons coach Simon Goodwin has thrown his support behind the idea of ​​handing out premiership rings to AFL squad members who are “not recognized” as they should be.

Goodwin won the 2021 AFL flag with Melbourne (pictured, at Optus Stadium in Perth after beating the Western Bulldogs)

Demons players celebrate after winning AFL premiership during pandemic in 2021

Collingwood players are pictured after winning the 2023 AFL Grand Final against the Brisbane Lions

The rings would cost around $50,000 each, costing the AFL $2.2 million.

“I’m talking about (former captain) Nathan Jones, Neville Jetta, Jake Melksham, Adam Tomlinson, Jayden Hunt… they had a huge impact on our football club that season. I think it’s a fantastic initiative that a lot of clubs and coaches would adopt.

“We all know you have to have a team mentality to succeed as prime minister, and sometimes they don’t get the recognition they deserve.

“You’re going to be playing between 28 and 35 players for the year and you need every single one of them to be successful as a premiership and I think they should all be recognized in one form or another.”

Despite Goodwin’s support, the move attracted widespread criticism from perplexed football fans.

Goodwin also confirmed defender Jake Bowey would return for Thursday’s blockbuster clash, with Carlton having recovered from a broken collarbone suffered in round zero.

He joins a Demons side brimming with confidence after beating unbeaten Geelong last Saturday night and “physically ready” to take on the Blues with just a five-day break between games.

Goodwin said the number of short breaks was something each team had to make do with and would not be an excuse for his team.

“All clubs are going to experience this, and it’s no big deal,” he said.

“We are prepared for this, this is what the game demands now. It doesn’t mean you can’t play, and we will never use that as an excuse. We are physically ready.

“We played a match after a 10-day break and we prepared well. We just deal with what is in front of us and pursue it.