He was one of the best on the field and Collingwood star Nick Daicos also made an impression when he received his premiership medal on Saturday.
Proud father Peter watched Nick and his brother Josh win a memorable premiership for the Magpies in their thrilling victory over the Brisbane Lions.
But another heartwarming moment was yet to come.
As Daicos walked towards the stage to receive his prime minister’s medal, he greeted the young boy presenting it to him by saying: “Is everything okay?”
Daicos then thanked the youngster for the medal and got the response: “You should be very proud.”
“Thank you very much, I appreciate it,” Daicos said before roaring in front of the MCG crowd.
Josh Daicos plants a kiss on his brother Nick Daicos’ cheek as they celebrate the Magpies’ premiership win over Brisbane
After the match, Josh was quick to sing his brother’s praises.
‘Amazing. To be top players with all the boys, we’ve dreamed of it for so long. I can not believe it. I can’t believe it,” he said.
“So proud of him. His goal is always the success of the team. He wasn’t too worried about the Brownlow. He advanced quite quickly. Now he’s a top player.
While the spotlight was on Norm Smith Medal winners Bobby Hill and Daicos, it was also a huge day for veterans Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury, who won their second premierships.
Veterans Steele Sidebottom (front) and Scott Pendlebury (back) celebrate a goal together as they clinch their second AFL premiership
In the MCG furnace on Saturday, Pendlebury and Sidebottom delivered as they so often have in their second premierships.
Pendlebury was massive, especially in the frenetic second half, directing his teammates and setting up the game.
Significantly, his central clearance midway through the final quarter ended with Jordan De Goey scoring the goal that put Collingwood back in front.
Sidebottom deservedly scored the goal two minutes later – a bomb from over 50 yards – that would eventually secure the victory and he remained balanced all day on one wing.
It was thought that the temperature of 29°C could work in Brisbane’s favor.
Certainly, in Pendleburys’ 383rd match and Sidebottom’s 309th, the two most experienced players on the field could be short of legs.
Instead, they became more and more important as the game progressed.
