Fremantle legend Paul Hasleby says the decision to scrap the Ross Glendinning medal for western derbies “stinks”.

Since 2001, the player judged best afield in the derby has won the Ross Glendinning medal, while the winning team has received a trophy.

But both traditions have been dumped following a change in sponsorship agreement with Carlton United Breweries.

Fremantle, who are the hosts of the round-six derby, announced the changes on Monday night.

The usual joint press conference with the senior coaches from both sides also won’t go ahead, with separate ones held instead.

Hasleby, who won a record four Ross Glendinning medals, was shocked and disappointed with the scrapping.

“It’s been a big part of my career,” Hasleby told 6PR.

“I’m not a premiership player but I was lucky enough to have that accolade bestowed upon me throughout my career.

“It just stinks that this has been changed due to what is a commercial decision.

“You do not need a sponsorship agreement to give the Ross Glendinning Medal. I cannot understand the decision making made by the Fremantle Dockers.”

West Coast coach Adam Simpson was also disappointed with the decision.

He said the Eagles would hand out their own medal to the club’s best player.

“I suppose it’s Freo’s prerogative – now that CUB aren’t the game-day sponsor, they can do what they want,” Simpson told channel 7.

“Look, it’s a little bit disappointing from our end, (and for) Ross, with the heritage and the WA football legend status he carries.

“We’ll still have a medal – it will just be to a West Coast player.”

Fremantle chief executive Steve Rosich claimed it had been a joint decision by both clubs to axe the Ross Glendinning medal.

“We will continue to work with West Coast to investigate a joint sponsor for the derby and the possibility of that sponsor taking up the trophy rights for the derby in the future,” Rosich said.