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It has become an unwanted AFL grand final tradition – every year, one member of the victorious team commits the cardinal sin and forgets to shake hands with the Auskicker presenting them with their premiership medal.
In 2022, Geelong star Tom Stewart was described as ‘the biggest prick in AFL footy‘ after snubbing his young Auskicker’s attempt at a handshake, while last year, Collingwood’s Beau McCreery followed suit.
In 2024, it was Charlie Cameron who became the afternoon’s resident villain at the MCG, receiving his medal from the youngster and then turning away as she proffered her hand, while Lions fans in the crowd began to sing ‘Country Roads’ – Cameron’s theme song after kicking a goal during matches at the Gabba.
The reaction from social media was predictable – and savage.
The premiership medal ceremony has seen several iconic exchanges between players and Auskickers, notably, Josh Dunkley’s presenter told the midfielder he was his ‘hero’.
Meanwhile, Cameron Rayner’s presenter nearly stole the show with a truly outstanding mullet.
For some, Cameron’s snub was all the more disappointing due to the efforts of a Brisbane staffer who handed all 23 players a cap to present to the Auskickers in exchange for the medal – with some also copping stern instructions to make sure they shook hands.
Kai Lohmann was stopped in his tracks by the staffer as he bounded towards the stage to receive his medal, with the staffer handing him the cap and some last-minute instructions.
Darcy Wilmot also nearly forgot to bring his cap on stage, called over by the staffer to receive it.
The staffer’s actions quickly spread like wildfire on line, with some describing him as ‘BOG’, while others claimed he ‘deserves a medal’.
Both Stewart and McCreery issued public apologies to their snubbed Auskickers in the days following the grand final, with McCreery posing for a photo with them later in the week.
In 2015, Hawthorn ruckman David Hale did likewise, issuing a public apology and vowing to track down the young boy- which he did.
One can only hope Cameron does the same.
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