sport news Melbourne Demons coach Simon Goodwin calls for AFL to recognise all squad ... trends now

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Melbourne Demons premiership-winning coach Simon Goodwin has thrown his support behind the idea of rings being handed out to squad members 'not recognised' as they should be - despite a pushback from the AFL.

The AFL has had the idea of rings pitched by commercial companies multiple times over the years, and now Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly declared there was an 'opportunity' to explore the idea after 37 players were used by the Magpies in the 2023 premiership campaign - but only 23 players received medals.

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

Goodwin, who tasted premiership success in 2021 with the Demons, said players who didn't play in the grand final 'weren't recognised the way they should have been' and said rings for all was a good idea.

'There are some guys who had significant contribution to our team that year and our club over a long period of time who probably weren't recognised the way they should have been,' he said on Wednesday.