Moment footy star reunites with long-lost father in heartwarming scenes after spending TEN YEARS apart: ‘I just burst into tears’

GWS defender Connor Idun was reunited with his father Zak for the first time in 10 years following the Giants’ first round win over Collingwood.

Idun, 23, was born in England but went to school in Geelong, where he was picked up by the Giants in 2018.

Since then, he has become a staple presence in the GWS defensive line, making 69 appearances for the club, where he has become a team leader.

His father Zac had not been out to see his son in his 68 previous AFL appearances, but the pair were seen catching up in the sheds after the final siren, along with Connor’s brother Chris.

The trio spoke to Seven’s BT, where Connor revealed he hadn’t seen his dad in 10 years.

‘This is my dad, Zac, and my brother, Chris. They came from England, so I haven’t seen them in probably over 10 years. “This is the first time we’ve met,” Connor told Taylor.

Zac explained why they had been separated for so long.

“It’s been a while, because of the lockdown and all kinds of things, I couldn’t get there as fast as I wanted to,” he said.

“But this is the first time I’ve seen him play for the Giants.”

Zac, overjoyed after watching his son play, admitted that he couldn’t hide his emotions.

It’s very, very quiet. But I have to be absolutely honest; “I was up there and when he ran onto the field, I started crying,” Zac said.

‘It was just so much emotion and so much pride.

But not only him, but also the rest of his companions. It’s been really good to see him bond with all the other guys. Watching him from afar, you see him grow from when he just joined the team and then became a man and then a leader as well; he is really very, very impressive.

“I’m very proud of him.”

His brother Chris added: “It’s pretty special.” Very proud of him.

‘Ten years, I haven’t seen him. The last time I saw him, he was playing for Drysdale or something, running around people, and he still does it.

‘We were supporting from afar, staying in touch with the games. It’s so good to see it live today. Incredible team performance.”

Despite being many years older than his son, Zac still believes he can beat him in a race.

—Do you know how they do that two-kilometer run? I still think I can beat him. That’s the only thing I want to do, I want to race on that track,” he said, laughing.

‘If it happens, you’ll know, because (I’ll have had) a heart attack!’