Instead of worrying about an expected move to Adelaide, Brisbane utility Callum Ah Chee was daydreaming about a second premiership for the Lions.
A year after kicking four goals in a grand final smashing of Sydney, Ah Chee played a pivotal role on dashing Geelong winger Ollie Dempsey in the Lions’ 47-point win on Saturday.
It was almost certainly his last game for the club before he accepts a long-term deal to play for the Crows next year.
Callum Ah Chee signing autographs for Lions fans at Sunday’s family day at Brusnwick Oval.Credit: Getty Images
Ah Chee brushed off talk about his future, saying he tried not to think about it, or listen to any of the commentary.
“Obviously, a lot of talk going on here and there, but my focus has just been on playing finals … I love this footy club,” the 27-year-old said.
“The boys take the piss out of me a little bit, but I really try not to listen to the outside noise.”
Dubbed “Mr September” by great mate and fellow Lions forward Charlie Cameron, Ah Chee lives for the big stage.
“I was daydreaming a little bit before the game,” he said. “It’s hard not to, then the dreams came true.
Ah Chee with friend and teammate Charlie Cameron after Saturday’s win. Cameron crossed from Adelaide to the Lions, and Ah Chee is poised to do the opposite.Credit: Getty Images
“It was a little bit easier this year having been here the two years prior, knowing what the build-up’s like. To be playing in the grand final, it’s unbelievable and you cherish it.”
Dempsey destroyed the Lions with his devastating running power in the Cats’ qualifying final win three weeks ago.
In the rematch, Ah Chee – mostly a forward for the past 18 months – was tasked with making him accountable.
Dempsey was still one of Geelong’s best players with four goals, but Ah Chee had 17 disposals, six intercept possessions and was a crucial link in getting the Lions forward.
“I knew earlier in the week that I was going to be playing the role, so got my head around it,” Ah Chee said.
“It probably doesn’t mean I’m going to be kicking fancy goals and whatever, but happy to do it for the team.”
Ah Chee might not be the only dual premiership Lion moving on, with the Western Australian-raised defender Brandon Starcevich weighing up a monster offer from West Coast.
Starcevich spent much of the second half on the bench after being ruled out with concussion.
The 26-year-old missed three months this season after suffering a concussion in round one against Sydney and has had a history of head knocks.
Starcevich insisted post-game he was feeling fine and the move to leave him out the bench was more precautionary given his history with concussion.
AAP
