Port Adelaide utility Jeremy Finlayson has paid tribute to his terminally ill wife Kellie after kicking the winning goal in Port Adelaide’s dramatic win over Sydney at the SCG.
Kellie and Jeremy tied the knot in a private ceremony last month, bringing forward their wedding day, which was originally slated for October. The move followed the news that Kellie had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
The heartbreaking diagnosis came just months after finishing her treatment for bowel cancer, which had emerged shortly after the birth of their first child Sophia in August 2021.
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Finlayson was Port’s hero in the final moments of the dramatic clash against the Swans, calmly kicking the winning goal following a strong mark inside 50.
As teammate Allir Allir spoiled the ball back into the field of play, securing Port’s much needed second win of the season, he was overcome with emotion speaking about his love and dedication to his wife and how grateful he was to be back out on a footy field.
“I hope she’s watching. I love her so much.” Finlayson told Channel 7 post game
“This is just reward of sticking tough. Doing it for Kel and Soph back home.
“I’m just happy to be out here playing footy and doing what I love.”
As pandemonium ensued in the final minutes once Swans wingman Ollie Florent went back to take his kick as the final siren neared, Finlayson thought he had kicked the goal as the siren rung out before Allir jumped over the pack to spoil the ball back into play and secure a much needed win for Port Adelaide.
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There was pandemonium in the final seconds when Swans wingman Ollie Florent went back to take his kick as the final siren sounded, with Finlayson even thinking his rival had kicked the goal.
But as the siren rung out Allir jumped over the pack to spoil the ball back into play and secure a much-needed win for Port Adelaide.
“It was backs against the wall. I thought he kicked it! I seriously thought he kicked it” Finlayson told Channel 7 post game.
The pressure had been building on Port Adelaide and senior coach Ken Hinkley following consecutive losses, including last week’s Showdown.
Finlayson admitted the team’s confidence took a hit during the week but was full of praise for the fight and admiration shown to secure the win after a slow start.
“That was a great win by the boys” he said.
“It feels like we are 0-10. Our confidence and belief hasn’t been there the last couple of weeks.
“Kenny really drove that this week.
“Kenny just had full faith in us and we got the job done”
The win for the Power is a big boost heading into Gather Round next week where they will host the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval in the marquee timeslot on Saturday night.
