Geelong legend Billy Brownless reportedly ruffled some feathers following his live interview with Cats midfielder Max Holmes after Saturday afternoon’s AFL grand final triumph.
Holmes was ruled out of the season finale at the MCG after he was unable to prove he had recovered from a hamstring injury sustained during the previous weekend’s preliminary final against the Brisbane Lions.
It was a cruel setback for a young footballer who had played 18 games for Geelong this year.
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“I just don’t think you can take that chance,” former Melbourne footballer Nathan Jones said on Channel 7 on Saturday.
“It’s absolutely gut-wrenching for him.”
Geelong comprehensively defeated the Sydney Swans 20.13 to 8.4 (52) to secure its 10th premiership, but Holmes did not receive a premiership medal.
Speaking on his “Roving Billy” segment on Channel 9’s Sunday Footy Show the following morning, Brownless approached Holmes at the family day breakfast and poked fun at the 20-year-old’s injury setback.
“C’mon Maxy, played all year, loved the way you went about it, could probably have a haircut,” Brownless started.
“How were you feeling, mate?”
Holmes replied: “Yeah it was a good win. Good to watch and win it.”
Brownless continued: What about you, just sitting there watching it mate?”
Holmes laughed: “Nah, that’s a bad question.”
Brownless: “I just wanted to know how you feel, I feel for ya.”
Holmes: “Nah I’m alright.”
Brownless: “Nah you weren’t happy with Gryan (Miers) getting a medal, he got a medal and you didn’t.
Holmes: “Nah, I’m very happy for him.
Brownless: “Nah, you’re cranky and having a go at him.”
According to The Herald Sun, the Geelong media team was “a little bit upset” with Brownless’ interview, but the Cats legend acknowledged his mistake.
“At the time I just wanted to acknowledge him because he’s a great kid and a great player,” Brownless, who played 198 games and kicked 441 goals for Geelong, told the News Corp publication.
“He probably felt uncomfortable with my question but I didn’t mean to do that. All I wanted to do was acknowledge him as being part of everything.”
