Brisbane Lions star Josh Dunkley suffered a thoroughly humiliating moment during his team’s defeat to Geelong on Thursday night.
The reigning AFL premiers went down 117-76 at The Gabba as the visitors earned revenge for last year’s grand final.
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And the Lions’ evening was summed up by a truly horrific passage of play from midfielder Dunkley, 29.
The ex-Bulldogs man had not registered a single goal in 2026 when he stepped up with his team 51-45 down towards the end of the second quarter.
And his lack of experience between the posts could not have been made any clearer by what happened next.
Dunkley composed himself with a few small steps, before fumbling the ball out of his hands and onto the ground.
The replay showed he even appeared to laugh at his own nightmare moment as he scurried around trying to retrieve the loose ball.
The commentators on Kayo could be heard understandably explaining “you wouldn’t believe it” as the opportunity went begging for Dunkley and the Lions.
Jack Riewoldt jokingly blamed David King for the bizarre error after the broadcaster had said: “They’ve been kicking them from here all night.”
Footy fans on social media were left aghast at the truly disastrous attempt.
Michael Thompson said “Josh Dunkley just did the Jake Spencer. Unreal.”
Tobie Chapman reacted: “Quality of the goals tonight is ridiculous. And also Josh Dunkley is there.”
While another account reacted: “Josh Dunkley is such an elite footballer, but when it comes to a set shot, boy oh boy.”
The Lions only trailed by 12 at halftime as Geelong went into the break with a 57-45 lead.
But a blitzing from the Cats in the early stages of the third quarter saw them head into the final 20 minutes with a huge 29-point lead.
That was largely thanks to an inspired Shaun Mannagh who scored three times in less than four minutes — and five over the course of the night — as Geelong took control.
Chris Scott’s side then extended their lead in the fourth quarter to claim a third successive victory and will now prepare to take on the Swans next Saturday.
Geelong sit fifth on the ladder, level on points with fourth-placed Lions.
