Why don’t runner’s up in the Australian Rules Football grand final receive consolation medals or rings?

AI Response

In Australian Rules Football, the tradition is that only the winning team in the Grand Final receives premiership medals and the premiership cup. The runner-up team does not receive consolation medals or rings as part of the tradition and culture surrounding the sport. 

This practice emphasizes the significance of winning the premiership, which is considered the ultimate achievement in the league. The focus is on celebrating the champions, and the absence of consolation awards for the runners-up reinforces the competitive nature of the sport. While it may seem harsh, this tradition is part of what makes the Grand Final such a prestigious and highly coveted event in Australian Rules Football. 

Additionally, some clubs and organizations may choose to recognize their players in other ways, but officially, the league does not provide medals or rings for the runners-up.