Australian football legend Ian Stewart hadn’t seen any of his three Brownlow Medals in nearly three decades.
But they’re now being put up for auction, having been found in a house in England.
The only kicker? Stewart claims he didn’t sell them, has no idea how they found their way to the other side of the world, and now he wants them back.
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Now 81, the Tasmanian star won the medals in 1965 and 1966 playing for St Kilda, and a third in 1971 playing for Richmond.
He is one of only four triple-Brownlow winners in the sport’s history.
St Kilda Footballer Ian Stewart 1970 Fairfax Archives
Leski Auctions will put them under the hammer on February 12, and are estimated to fetch up to $75,000.
The 1966 medal is expected to be of significant interest, given it was St Kilda’s only premiership year.
In a statement to Seven, Stewart said he’s going to fight to have them returned to him.
“I can guarantee you 1000 per cent I never gave them away or sold them,” he said.
Richmond Footballer Ian Stewart 1971 Fairfax Archives
“I don’t know how the hell they ended up there. I don’t want to see them auctioned.
“I’m going to take steps to prove that I’m the rightful owner.”
In a media release outlining the sale of the medals, the auction house hoped the buyer would allow them to be displayed in the Devils’ new stadium when it opens in 2029.
Stewart played 205 games for St Kilda and Richmond between 1963 and 1975. Following his premiership with the Saints in 1966, he won a second with Richmond in 1973.
Wide World of Sports has contacted Leski for comment.
