Unfortunately it has nothing to do with merit, private organisations have approached the AFL with a proposal to licence a product (premiership rings) which can be sold as memorabilia to supporters after the GF. Giving to players, coaches, staff, bootstudders, water boys etc is the justification.Going back to the Premiership rings / Medals discussion..
I wouldn't be against players who played say 80% of the total games in a season getting awarded a Premiership medal.
It still doesn't sit well that Derek Kickett lost out on one due to one mans spite.
Brendon Whitecross would be recognised as well.
It works well in other sports across the world - 80% of games played per year seems reasonable to me.
The AFL is only interested in one thing and it is money and how they get more.