- Cam Rayner is officially footy’s new sweetheart
Brisbane Lions star Cam Rayner warmed the hearts of countless footy fans following his exchange with a starry-eyed youngster after winning the AFL grand final on Saturday at the MCG.
Rayner, 25, was immense as Chris Fagan’s men secured two straight flags following an emphatic 47-point victory over a shell-shocked Geelong.
The forward then showcased his class with an AusKick young gun.
‘I want to be just like you,’ the little boy said to Rayner.
A classy Rayner responded with: ‘I wanna be like you.’
His teammate Darcy Wilmot then showed history can repeat itself in many different forms.
Brisbane Lions star Cam Rayner warmed the hearts of countless footy fans following his exchange with a starry-eyed youngster after winning the AFL grand final on Saturday
Rayner, 25, was immense as Chris Fagan’s men secured back to back flags – and the forward then showcased his class with an AusKick young gun (pictured)
Teammate Darcy Wilmot was far more animated (pictured) – just like he was on stage 12 months ago when the Lions thrashed the Sydney Swans
After infamously grabbing the microphone 12 months ago when Brisbane thrashed the Sydney Swans, the energetic defender repeated his on-stage antics.
In what was a remarkable end to the contest, the Cats had no answers as Brisbane seemingly kicked majors for fun in the third and fourth quarters.
The end margin flattered Geelong, who would have been confident at halftime with the score deadlocked at 36-all.
Lions co-captain Lachie Neale – who entered the decider under an injury cloud – finished with 17 touches, seven clearances, three tackles and a solo goal from 50 metres.
The veteran admitted post-game he was on edge early on as the clash threatened to be a cliffhanger.
‘At halftime it was anyone’s game,’ he said.
‘I felt like a bit of a supporter in the first half. It was probably the most nervous I’ve ever been to come on in the third quarter, with the scores tied and (personally) coming off limited preparation… but we got it done.’
Neale also had the last laugh over many critics who loudly questioned his place in the team.
Brisbane are the first team to snare back-to-back AFL titles since Richmond in 2019 and 2020.
It was also the club’s fifth premiership since the turn of the century.
Elsewhere, Geelong skipper Patrick Dangerfield won plenty of admirers following his gracious speech moments after the final siren.
