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.”
Shane
Roar Rookie
You're not calling it as it is. You're calling it through myopic, petty glasses.
Shane
Roar Rookie
This is why everyone dislikes Richmond supporters. Bitter, ungracious, pathetic, whingers. Tom is a top bloke, but he will forever live in their heads rent free.
O M
Roar Rookie
You chose to engage with me....and your the one here with the reputation for drunken postings so maybe make sure your own house is in order before taking pot shots yourself.
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
Ohhh, I'm shaking. You've always been arrogant and classless on here, and I'm sick of your mouthiness. Have a good hard look at your own team before you start having pot shots at opposition players
O M
Roar Rookie
Really, maybe you shouldn't then.
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
Like looking in a mirror isn't it
sven
Roar Rookie
know where youre coming from, enjoy it mate, who knows when it comes again. i acknowledge the '19 granny was a crap game for neutrals but i still get enjoyment watching just how well my boys played, in fact may have to rewatch one of the games from our little run soon now theres no footy on & its still too early for the cricket :silly:
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Thanks Sven. I enjoyed your humour and humanity this year. I might have watched the game a few times. Everything rolled our way. But the pressure applied by my boys was scary.
sven
Roar Rookie
think the tiges need as much assistance as possible yatz .... on a serious note, congrats on a massive win for your mob & just reward for not just one great season ..... got talked into working on the day so missed seeing the game, was gunna watch later but it sounded that one sided on the radio i think anyone but a cats supporter would be disappointed in the game itself
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Stewart and young Selwood may be ruthless warriors on the field but they are the nicest human beings off it. With, Nank, I will book him into my counselling session next week. Does he need outsourcing assistance too?
sven
Roar Rookie
once we finish laying the boots into stewart for his heinous behaviour we need to find & punish the auskicker that left big nank high & dry at the '20 medal presentation, poor nank has never been the same after the way that kid snubbed his handshake attempt
O M
Roar Rookie
You really struggle with alternate opinions don't you? Looks like you share Sellwood's arrogance. Obviously a Cat thing! It's what happens when you have your head firmly in your..... ! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Cat
Roar Guru
Oh big footy. The bay13 cesspool. Less reliable than wiki. Great reference :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
O M
Roar Rookie
Cat the Kingmaker! I’m flattered. :stoked: I heard quite a few comments about it at the time at the venue I watched the game and there’s been plenty said in the BIG Footy forums. But you stick your head in the sand and echochambers and pretend he’s perfect, ok?
Cat
Roar Guru
My research shows no one anywhere has said anything bad about Selwood speech. You’re just the Don of Richmond. In fact that’s your new name DoR. Occasionally we all like to poke the child and see what remarkably stupid stuff comes out as a result.
Opps74
Roar Rookie
I’ve watched the replay several times now and of course you can judge his actions as rude or just caught in the moment which after winning a grand final is understood…I have a close friend whose child has been in and out of hospital and favourite team are the cats and for the past 18 months have been visited in hospital and at home by many of the big name players, even the one named in this story…my friend can’t thank them enough and they do this at no cost, but giving these young kids a chance to be close to their idols because they can’t actually go to a game…so I’m willing to say even his tough persona on the field, don’t judge him because of one perceived mistake…it is very judgemental
O M
Roar Rookie
I couldn’t care less, but don’t be a lazy Cat….do your own research! But I love how cut up everyone here gets whenever I post something!
Cat
Roar Guru
Show me any one (someone relevant, not some random anonymous social media keyboard warrior) who feels the same about Selwood’s speech …
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
I think he may have hit her with his car too!
1dawg
Roar Rookie
That’s right big O :thumbup: