The AFL has decided to skip Nathan Buckley’s turn to present the Norm Smith at this year’s Grand Final. However, he hopes to be on stage in another capacity - receiving the Jock McHale medal.
Going by precedent, as the 2002 recipient, Bucks would be up to present the award for best on ground after the game this year. Last year, James Hird, the 2001 winner presented the medal to Luke Shuey as Buckley watched on from the shadows of the MCG with his defeated Collingwood outfit.
Instead, the 2003 winner Simon Black, currently of Survivor, formally of the world beating early 2000’s Brisbane Lions, will present the medal.
Of course, Buckley is one of four players to ever win the award from the losing team, his Pies losing to Black’s Lions in the 2002 finale.
This year, Buckley will be hoping to see another Pie up on the stage, this time from the winning side. However, their is a chance that Black and the Lions could deny him once again.
Mark Williams will present the Jock McHale medal, after winning the flag with the Power in 2004.
