Geelong have been praised for their class act after the player stay on the field to form a guard of honour to help the Gold Coast Suns celebrate David Swallow becoming the club’s first player to 200 games.
The Cats, who had become the first premiers in 47-years to lose its first three games of the following season, were outclassed on the field by the Suns 10.13 (73) to 7.12 (54), the first time the club had lost to the Gold Coast since round 7, 2017.
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Post-match, the Suns formed a guard of honour for Swallow to celebrate his milestone as the 2010 No. 1 draft pick became the first player in the club’s history to bring up the milestone.
He was met by his family and was he first to walk off the field to a standing ovation from the Gold Coast fans.
But while the reigning premiers are the only team without a win after three rounds in the 2023 premiership, the players once again showed what they are truly made of.
“How good is this by the Geelong footy club?” Dermott Brereton said in commentary.
“Dropping a game that they didn’t expect to drop and having the respect for a fellow who’s given everything to the game, his club and they stand out there in respect for David Swallow.
“Take a big bow, Geelong Football Club. That is absolute class.”
Anthony Hudson added: “It’s just so respectful.”
Swallow stayed loyal to the Suns to become the first player to bring up the milestone.
In a sign of the turnover of players for the club, in the club’s 13th season in the AFL, just 16 players have played 100 games for the Suns. Only Jarrod Witts (106), Alex Sexton (159), Touk Miller (162) and Swallow currently still play for the Suns.
The 30-year-old had 15 disposals, seven tackles, three clearances and three inside 50s.
“He’s just a giver, always has been for this footy club,” Dew said of the 30-year-old midfielder.
“A couple of times he’s had decisions for his career (to move clubs) and I’m sure he’s understood what staying meant and the flow-on that had on others.
“He’s been through adversity and his best is still to come.
“Always selfless and no ego … No. 1 draft pick, new club. His ego surely could’ve been out of control.
“If you’ve got a problem you go to Dave and he’ll do his best to solve it.”
Similarly, Jack Lukosius, who booted a career-high five goals against the Cats, heaped praise on his veteran teammate.
“He’s the rock of this club. Everyone loves him, he puts a smile on everyone’s faces,” Lukosius said post-game.
“To get a win from him is good and hopefully we can keep going and he can have some success here late in his career.”
While the AFL world is scratching its head about the Cats’ performances on the field, off the field, the side has again showed its true class.
Although it was largely led by retired captain Joel Selwood during last years’ grand final, the Cats won over AFL fans before and after the decider.
Before the grand final, Selwood ran onto the MCG with Gary Ablett Jr.’s son Levi, who has a rare degenerative disease.
Selwood also gave had a lovely moment with an Auskicker, giving the kid his boots and posing for a picture.
He then brought the club’s water boy Sam Moorfoot onto the field and the Cats players helped him onto the field to share in the lap of honour.
It’s good to see the club stays classy even when the results aren’t coming on the field.
