Sam Mitchell and Trent Cotchin are the league's newest Brownlow medallists.
The AFL Commission has awarded Trent Cotchin and Sam Mitchell the 2012 Brownlow Medal.
Essendon star Jobe Watson made the difficult decision to hand back the medal last week.
Winner of the 1988 Brownlow medal Gerard Healy is satisfied the Brownlow medal has been awarded to Cotchin and Mitchell, despite some people disagreeing with the AFL's decision.
"I can't for the life of me understand why people think it's tainted if it's in the hands of two guys who did nothing wrong, except play by the rules," Healy said on Sports Today.
Before today's announcement it had been reported that some Commissioners were of the view Cotchin and Mitchell should not have been awarded the medal.
"Clearly somebody hadn't explained the rules to the Commissioners who went in there thinking it was inappropriate," Healy said.
Click PLAY to hear Gerard Healy on Sports Today
Richmond captain Trent Cotchin has released the following statement:
"I accept the 2012 Brownlow Medal with mixed emotions.
"But I also respect the decision of the AFL Commission and the award that is the Brownlow Medal.
"This has been a difficult time for Jobe, but I have great respect for him, and the decision he made in very tough circumstances".
AFL boss Gillon McLachlan says it was a unanimous decision.
"I think that they had mixed emotions, obviously personal satisfaction mixed with incredible disappointment for a number of their peers," says McLachlan.
League chairman Mike Fitzpatrick says protecting the reputation of the medal was of the up-most importance.
Click PLAY below to hear from Mike Fitzpatrick
3AW Football's Caroline Wilson says the AFL feels dreadful for Jobe Watson.
"Today was such a momentous announcement, even though the AFL did what they had to do, there was no other choice," says Caro.
Click PLAY below to hear more from Caroline Wilson
