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Some things are more important than becoming a premiership player.
One of the traditions of the AFL grand final is to have the Auskicker of the Year nominations from each of the 23 home-and-away rounds present the premiership medals to the victorious players.
Some interactions become iconic – Geelong captain Joel Selwood giving Archie Stockdale his boots upon receiving his medal on Saturday is one such moment that delighted the footy world.
Unfortunately, teammate Tom Stewart’s exchange with his Auskicker on the MCG stage wasn’t quite as heartwarming.
When it was his turn to receive his premiership medal, Stewart not only left the young girl who handed him the medal hanging as she extended her arm for the traditional handshake – in his haste to raise his arms in triumph, he accidentally knocked off the grand final cap he’d just placed on her head.
Having already attracted scrutiny for a number of off-the-ball hits during the Cats’ 81-point grand final win over Sydney, the moment cemented Stewart’s status as villain of the day in the eyes of many, with social media quickly condemning the star defender for the snub.
Unsurprisingly, Richmond fans led the outpouring of anger towards Stewart, following his infamous bump on Tiger Dion Prestia during a Round 15 match between the two teams earlier this year.
Stewart received a four-week suspension for a crude off-the-ball bump on the Richmond midfielder, which reignited debate over introducing red cards to the AFL.
Prestia was quickly ruled out of the match due to concussion, missing the Tigers’ next match as well, while Stewart was among the best afield in a thrilling Cats win.
13 weeks on, it seems Tigers fans aren’t willing to give up their grudge, while supporters of other teams also noted the twin acts of villainy from Stewart in 2022.
Stewart is far from the only player to have gone viral after snubbing an Auskicker on the big day. In 2015, Hawthorn ruckman David Hale was widely panned for also not shaking his premiership medal presenter’s hand.
However, Hale would own up to the mistake the day later, vowing to make amends.
He’d be as good as his word, too.
Stewart followed suit on Sunday morning, apologising on the Sunday Footy Show.
“Just before I go I just want to reach out to the young girl who gave me my premiership medal yesterday,” he said.
“I got a bit overwhelmed and a bit excited and ended up knocking the hat off her head.
“I’d love to give her a little gift. If anybody knows her and would like to reach out on my socials I’d really appreciate it.”
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