How an AFL legend is battling to prove he is the rightful owner of his three Brownlow medals after they went missing 30 years ago - but are now on sale for over $120,000
How an AFL legend is battling to prove he is the rightful owner of his three Brownlow medals after they went missing 30 years ago - but are now on sale for over $120,000
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Footy great Ian Stewart had not seen his three Brownlow medals for nearly 30 years. But the Richmond and St Kilda legend is now fighting to get his best and fairest trophies back, with the accolades having reappeared in Australia. Stewart, 81, is renowned as one of the greatest players to have graced the sport, having clinched VFL premierships with St Kilda and Richmond during his decorated career.
![[It is understood that they had gone on a mysterious journey to England before returning to Melbourne]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/30/08/94671473-14341323-image-a-3_1738226501293.jpg)
He made 127 appearances for the Saints and 78 for the Tigers before hanging up his boots in 1975 before the Australian Football Hall of Famer would step into coaching. He won two Brownlow medals during his time with St Kilda in 1965 and 1966 before being voted the league's best and fairest during his first season with the Punt Road-based outfit in 1971.
![[Leski Auctions are now facilitating the sale of the medals but are hopeful that they will end up being placed in the stadium of the AFL's new franchise in Tasmania]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/30/08/94671475-14341323-image-a-4_1738226505172.jpg)
Stewart is one of only four players to have won three Brownlow medals that includes the likes of Haydn Bunton Sr. Dick Reynolds and Bob Skilton. But according to 7News, his medals went missing nearly 30 years ago after they had reportedly spent some time in the window of a clothes shop in Elsternwick.
The outlet claims that they had been on an odd journey and had travelled all the way to England where they ended up in a family home. Footy legend Ian Stewart is fighting to get his Brownlow medals back after they reappeared 30 years after going missing.
It is understood that they had gone on a mysterious journey to England before returning to Melbourne. Remarkably, the Brownlow medals have now reappeared in Victoria. Stewart learned of the news earlier this week and was informed that they were set to be sold at an auction in two week's time.
