Heartwarming moment Cats skipper Joel Selwood lifts club's water boy over the fence to join in their grand final celebrations: 'Best day of my life'
Long-time Geelong water boy Sam Moorfoot was lifted over the fence by skipper Joel Selwood to celebrate with the team on the MCG in heart-warming scenes.
The Cats won as much praise for their grace in victory than they did for their 81-point thrashing over the Swans in the grand final on Saturday afternoon.
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Players lingered on the hallowed MCG turf soaking up the atmosphere for some time after the final siren, before Selwood spotted an ecstatic Moorfoot on the boundary fence.
Selwood, who the water boy describes as his 'best friend', insisted Moorfoot join in the celebrations, dragging him over the fence and onto the field with the help of teammate Jeremy Cameron.
The 29-year-old, who has Down syndrome, was then given Cameron's medal; eliciting one of the biggest smiles you are ever likely to see on a footy field.
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Moorfoot gleefully raised his medal to the fellow Cats fans watching from the fence, much to the delight of Geelong players and supporters; who are all well aware of the huge role he plays keeping up team morale.
Now the club's water boy, he can often be seen around the team during the week and on game days. Moorfoot is an iconic figure and much-loved member of the Cats family.
The overjoyed Cats fanatic even made an appearance on Channel 7's post-match coverage, with commentators Hamish McLachlan and Daisy Pearce interviewing Moorfoot in the changerooms.
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'I'm a training assistant and a water boy, and am very proud of my job, ' he said, when asked what his role was.
Despite having Cats defender Sam De Konig's arm around him, there was no surprises for guessing his answer to who his favourite player was.
'Joel Selwood, 100 per cent ... Joel is actually my best friend. He is a legend, and he's just the best, ' Moorfoot said on Channel 7's post-match coverage.
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Sam Moorfoot was pumped up and even showed off to the crowd when Cats star Jeremy Cameron hung his Premiership medal around his neck
Moorfoot played in a grand final of his own earlier in the year, but his Geelong Dragons unfortunately went down to the Kananook Bulls in the Football Integration Development Association's big dance.
'We share a very special friendship, and I consider him like family. He has my back and I have his, ' he told the Age in August.
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Fans took the social media in droves to shower Selwood, who is the AFL's Disability Inclusion Ambassador, in praise - and share their joy at viewing the heart-warming scenes.
Bloody @joelselwood14 has made me tear up 3 times today with Levi Ablett, the @AFLAuskick kids and now Sammy. How am I meant to dislike @GeelongCats if they’ve got players that seem like decent blokes representing them? #AFLGrandFinal #AFLGF— ElizabethR (@telip1977) September 24, 2022
That's just beautiful, I had to watch it several times, even though I'm a die-hard Swans supporter. I'm not crying you're crying.— Kit Tona (@tona_kit) September 24, 2022
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Three-year-old Levi was diagnosed in 2020 with a rare degenerative illness that leaves him with less resistance to naturally fight illnesses compared to healthier children.
Levi was all smiles and waving his arms about gleefully as Selwood carried him through the banner, a touching nod for one of the club's favourite sons.
Joel Selwood prepares to lead Geelong through the banner pre-game, holding Levi Ablett - the son of club great Gary Ablett Junior
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After the game, the revered skipper not only handed over his grand final cap, as all players do to the pint-sized Auskickers who give them their medals - but his game-worn boots as well.
A thrilled Archie Stockdale, who won the AFL's Auskicker of the Year award at the Brownlow Medal, had been promised a visit by Selwood - and the Cat did not disappoint.
He then passed on his white boots, and pointed to the camera so the pair could get a photo together - ensuring the memory of a lifetime for little Archie.
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Selwood showed more care and attention for those on the periphery than getting caught up in all the emotion and hype of a AFL grand final.
Share or comment on this article: Geelong Cats water boy relishes 2022 Grand Final win over the Sydney Swans in heart-warming scenes
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Geelong has responded to its shock round one loss by holding on for a thrilling one-point win against the Brisbane Lions on a night of high drama at Kardinia Park.
The Cats were heading for a comfortable victory before the Lions rallied to pinch the lead for the first time since the opening stages at the 21-minute mark of the last quarter after they entered the term trailing by 21 points.
The Patrick Dangerfield-less Cats thwarted Brisbane's late attempts, which included two rushed behinds, to reclaim the lead before they hung on to win 12.9 (81) to 11.14 (80).
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A coronavirus scare hung over Friday night's game as Victorian government health advice declared the Brisbane and Moreton Bay areas hotspots less than an hour before the opening bounce.
Wayne Carey and former Lions champion Luke Hodge had to leave commentary duties mid-match due to the new advice along with some fans, but the AFL declared the Lions safe to play.
Geelong forward Gary Rohan is almost certain to be cited for striking Lions star Lachie Neale behind play in the first quarter.
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A 50-metre penalty was paid against Cats skipper Joel Selwood for a dangerous tackle on Lions youngster Tom Berry, but the incident is unlikely to attract scrutiny from the match review officer.
Tensions boiled over further at quarter-time when Cats coach Chris Scott had strong words with some Brisbane players, including Joe Daniher and Harris Andrews.
The match opened with surprise debutant Francis Evans converting the first kick of his career into a goal to have the Cats crowd roaring.
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Selwood, Zach Tuohy, and All-Australians Tom Hawkins (three goals) and Cameron Guthrie (28 possessions) were vital for the Cats as they put the loss to wooden spooners Adelaide last week behind them.
Lions ruckman Oscar McInerney was injured early, but stayed on the ground until being subbed out for the speedy Keidean Coleman in the final quarter.
Geelong have a 10-day wait before battling Hawthorn at the MCG, while the Lions are due to host Collingwood at the Gabba on Easter Thursday.