Kirk named Cup Ambassador

Former Sydney Swans captain Brett Kirk has been named as the official Ambassador for the 2011 Premiership Cup, as part of the launch to the 2011 Toyota AFL Finals Series at the MCG on Tuesday.
 
Kirk, who played 241 games for the Swans including the drought-breaking 2005 premiership win, will travel with the Premiership Cup at all key events during 2011 Toyota AFL Grand Final week.

Kirk played the last 200 games of his career in succession, before retiring at the end of the 2010 season, and said he was honoured to fill the role.

“To be here at the MCG today, brings back a lot of great memories of the bond that is built through work and success,” Kirk told the finals launch.

“I’ve never had the opportunity to be in Melbourne for the whole of Grand Final week, and it’s going to be great to get to be a part of the build-up around the game.”

The AFL also announced the key football identities who will present the various major awards throughout September.
 
Former Carlton premiership coach and official Legend of the Game Alex Jesaulenko will present the Jock McHale Medal to the winning Grand Final coach while 1993 Norm Smith Medallist Michael Long will present the Norm Smith Medal to this year’s best on ground in the 2011 Toyota AFL Grand Final.

Former Richmond century goalkicker Michael Roach, who topped the VFL goalkicking in 1980 with 112 goals, will present the John Coleman Medal to this year’s winner – Hawthorn’s Lance Franklin.
 
The Premiership Cup on Grand Final Day will be presented to the winning team by a great of the club, with the presenters to be confirmed once the Grand Final teams are known. 
 
Jesaulenko coached Carlton to its 1979 Grand Final win over Collingwood as the last captain-coach in the game’s history and he was named a Legend of the Game in 2008.
 
Long played 190 games for Essendon between 1989-2001, winning the Norm Smith Medal in the Bombers’ victory over Carlton in 1993.