Footy Icon Ian Stewart Outraged as Missing Brownlow Medals Surface at Auction

Australian football icon Ian Stewart had not laid eyes on any of his three Brownlow Medals for close to 30 years.

However, these prestigious awards have resurfaced, discovered in a residence in England and now set for auction.

But there’s a twist: Stewart asserts he never sold the medals, has no clue how they ended up half a world away, and is eager to reclaim them.

At 81, the Tasmanian great secured the medals in 1965 and 1966 while playing for St Kilda, followed by a third in 1971 with Richmond.

He is among the select few — just four — to claim three Brownlow Medals in the history of the game.

Leski Auctions plans to auction the medals on February 12, with estimates reaching as high as $75,000.

Particularly noteworthy is the 1966 medal, as it commemorates St Kilda’s sole premiership year.

In a statement to Channel Seven, Stewart expressed his determination to reclaim the medals.

“I can absolutely guarantee you I never gave them away or sold them,” he asserted.

“I have no idea how they ended up there. I’m not in favour of them being auctioned off.

“I’m going to take steps to establish that I am the legitimate owner.”

In a media release detailing the auction, the auction house expressed hope that the buyer could allow the medals to be exhibited at the Devils’ new stadium upon its opening in 2029.

Stewart played a total of 205 matches for St Kilda and Richmond from 1963 to 1975. After leading the Saints to victory in 1966, he went on to win another premiership with Richmond in 1973.

Wide World of Sports has reached out to Leski Auctions for further comment.