Sad reason Petracca is pushing for premiership rings
Melbourne midfield star Christian Petracca says he would prefer to receive a premiership ring over a medal if his Demons can repeat their efforts from 2021.
It comes after 9News Melbourne’s chief football reporter Tom Morris confirmed the AFL is considering proposals to introduce premiership rings for every footballer who plays a senior men’s or women’s game in a flag-winning season.
There have been high level discussions across the summer regarding the concept – which could also include football department staff – with four separate businesses pitching to partner the league on the lavish project.
Collingwood are keen on the initiative, lobbying to be the first club, as last year’s premiers, to receive the special piece.
If the AFL wanted to bring in the rings, the premiership medals, given to the 22 players and senior coach, would still be handed out on the day.
Christian Petracca was the 2021 Norm Smith medallist.
The rings would be given to all players, not just the 22 on the day, who pulled on the boots for the premiers that season.
They would also be presented to additional coaching and support staff.
Petracca thinks the idea is a great one, not just to include additional players who miss out on the big day, but because of his own medal story.
“Well, to be honest, I probably would like it (a ring) more than a medal, because I actually don’t know where my medal is,” Petracca said on Nova 100’s Jase & Lauren on Wednesday.
“I think it’d be interesting. I love the NBA (who give out rings). So I think a ring would be cool.”
The 2021 Norm Smith medallist already has a ring that commemorates their 74-point premiership victory over the Western Bulldogs, but they were a gift from teammate James Harmes.
“Yes, I do have a ring. We all got given a ring by the club, not by the AFL,” Petracca said.
“James Harmes (2021 premiership player), his brother in law owns Unique Diamonds. Made us all rings, engraved with our number and our initials.
“I think Collingwood have watches engraved. So I’m sure it’s something each club (is doing).”
It would mean that players like Geelong’s Max Holmes, who missed their 2022 premiership triumph with an injury sustained in the preliminary final, or former Magpie Taylor Adams, who was injured before their 2023 finals campaign, would receive something in honour of their contribution.
Petracca championed the idea that more club people should be recognised, for playing their part in those 22 players and the coach reaching ultimate success.
James Harmes’ brother in law presented rinisg to melbourne premiership players in 2021.
“I think that’s a good idea, because people have got to understand, there’s 22 or 23 that play on the day, but there’s so many boys that miss out,” Petracca said.
“For example, when we won the 2021 flag, Jayden Hunt played 16 games that year, got injured the last five games, didn’t play the grand final.
“Nathan Jones was someone who has been at the club for 15-16 years, played 300 games (and) doesn’t play the grand final.
“Guys like that who have a genuine impact on the club and the culture.”
Rings for successful teams are not a new concept, with Hawthorn (2008) and Collingwood (2010) designing special rings for their premiership players in those years.
The NRL, NBA and NFL also hand out championship rings, while US Olympians receive rings regardless of performance.