Brisbane star Charlie Cameron has been the subject of intense online criticism for his treatment of a young footy fan during the Lions' 60-point grand final victory over the Sydney Swans at the MCG on Saturday. While his teammates took the time to acknowledge the Auskick kids who put the awards around their necks, Cameron completely blanked the youngster and celebrated for the crowd instead.
A Touch of Controversy
The 30-year-old forward was slammed for what one fan called an 'embarrassing' act with the young Auskick kid who would've been hoping for a moment to remember with him. His act came after Collingwood's Beau McCreery did exactly the same thing after last year's grand final.
Social Media Outrage
Fans on social media were quick to express their disappointment and anger, with many criticizing Cameron for his lack of sportsmanship and his apparent disregard for the child's excitement. One commenter even called for Country Road, the John Denver song that gets played when Cameron kicks goals at the Lions home ground, to be banned.
A Repeated Pattern
This incident highlights a recurring issue in the AFL grand final celebrations, with players seemingly forgetting or neglecting the importance of acknowledging the young fans who play a crucial role in the presentation ceremony. It appears that there is always one player who forgets to shake the hand of an unfortunate kid, with Collingwood fan favorite Beau McCreery and Geelong superstar Tom Stewart being recent examples in the past two grand finals.
A Team Effort
This year, the Lions had a member of staff tasked with reminding the players to engage with the children before passing on their cap. However, Cameron missed the message. He got the cap part right, but left a young girl hanging when she had her hand outstretched. The fact that a reminder was needed underscores the significance of this interaction and the importance of upholding the tradition of recognizing the efforts of the Auskickers.
Beyond the Handshake
While the handshake snub garnered a great deal of attention, Cameron's overall performance in the grand final was far from exceptional. He kicked one goal but missed two sitters from directly in front. However, he won’t care in the slightest after winning his first premiership medal. It's important to remember that a player's contribution to the team's success goes beyond the individual moments, and Cameron's overall performance played a significant role in the Lions' victory. The handshake incident, however, serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the traditions of the game and acknowledging the role of the fans, especially the young ones who are the future of the sport.
The True Stars
The real heroes of the day, however, were the Auskickers themselves. These young athletes, representing the next generation of AFL enthusiasts, embody the spirit of the game. They exemplify the passion, commitment, and camaraderie that make Australian Rules Football so special. The handshake snub should not overshadow their dedication and enthusiasm for the sport. It should be a reminder to everyone, especially players, that the true stars of the game are the ones who inspire the next generation of talent.
