- Liam Ryan shares emotional moment with fan in the stands
- Indigenous All Stars smashed Fremantle by 43 points
A heartwarming moment was caught on video following the Indigenous All Stars’ match against Fremantle in Perth as Liam Ryan hugged an emotional fan in the stands.
A record crowd of 37,865 was at Optus Stadium on Saturday to see the Indigenous All Stars smash Fremantle by 43 points — 16.12 (108) to 9.11 (65).
The crowd dwarfed the previous record of 17,500 at Darwin’s TIO Stadium in 2003 when the All Stars beat Carlton by 73 points.
After the match, Ryan could be seen thanking those who came out to the match, when one young lady was overcome with emotion and burst into tears.
Ryan quickly hopped up into the stands to give the fan a hug as she wiped the tears away from her face.
The special moment was quickly shared on social media, with footy fans loving the interaction.
A special moment was captured after the match while Liam Ryan was thanking fans
The footy star leapt up into the stands to console a young lady overcome with emotion
The touching moment was shared on social media with footy fans responding warmly
‘This is what Australian Rules Football is all about,’ commented one X user.
‘How bloody good!’ replied another.
The last time the Indigenous All Stars match was held in 2015, a sell-out crowd of 10,000 was present at Perth’s Leederville Oval as the Eagles secured an eight-point win.
The only time the match was hosted at a major stadium – at the MCG in 1985 – less than 6000 fans turned up for the match.
But the best-of-the-best Indigenous players made themselves available for Saturday’s match against Fremantle, and the fact it was hosted at a major stadium after a decade-long break also helped to draw in a huge crowd.
Players and fans alike are keen for the concept to be played on a more regular basis, and coach Xavier Clarke says using world-class stadiums is a must.
‘Everyone will want a piece of it,’ Clarke said.
‘If it’s here in Perth, well great. But if it’s at Melbourne, put it on the G.
A record crowd of 37,865 was at Optus Stadium on Saturday to see the Indigenous All Stars beat Fremantle by 43 points
There are lots of calls for the AFL to make the format a regular fixture from now on
‘I think just put it on a big, first-class stadium, and the people will come.’
Clarke is aiming to become the first Indigenous head coach of the AFL era, and his efforts in charge of the All Stars team has helped boost his cause.
The current North Melbourne assistant encouraged his Indigenous All Stars to play with flair, and they obliged to perfection in the 16.12 (108) to 9.11 (65) victory.
Jy Simpkin won the Polly Farmer medal as best afield after tallying 30 disposals, 10 clearances and one goal.
The North Melbourne skipper hopes his huge effort flows into the season proper.
‘It was so fun. I can’t remember enjoying football that much,’ Simpkin said.
‘I’ve had a couple of down years, the last two years, personally.
‘But I’ve put myself in a good spot over the off-season pre-season, to come out and have a good season.
‘I think today I showed that I can play some good footy, and hopefully I can continue that going forward.’
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