AFL Grand Final dream a reality for SA’s Beau McCreery and family

Over a decade after he first picked up a footy for the Cove Football Club, Beau McCreery will play in his first AFL grand final on Saturday – and his family will be riding every bump.

Julie McCreery can remember son Beau’s first games for the Cove Football Club as he ran onto the field as a courageous kid excited to play alongside his mates.

Now, a decade later, Collingwood’s Beau McCreery will be running out on to the game’s biggest stage in front of 100,000 people as his Magpies take on Brisbane in the 2023 AFL Grand Final.

Julie, who has supported Beau through his entire footy journey, still can’t believe it.

“It’s very surreal and just amazing to think he’s finally there and is going to play in a grand final. Everyone’s really excited,” Julie said.

“Every young lad who plays footy has that dream of playing in an AFL grand final but in reality not many get there so it’s a credit to him and how hard he’s worked.

“It’s a dream come true for all of us.”

Beau McCreery with his mother, Julie. Picture: Supplied

McCreery started his footy career following in the footsteps of older brother Jake at the Cove Football Club.

While the 22-year-old pressure forward had to fill a number of roles at the Cobras, Glenelg and eventually South Adelaide, Julie said his ability was always on show.

“Both the boys started when they were quite young down at Cove and Beau definitely looked up to Jake as a junior. He pretty quickly started do dominate in most games, I guess he just had that natural ability,” she said.

“He went and played some development footy at Glenelg – I remember one game he was unhappy because they put him in as a back flanker and he ended up kicking 10 goals.

“He went back to Cove and played a ripper in the U17.5 grand final and then was picked up by South Adelaide.”

McCreery of the Magpies celebrates kicking a goal against GWS in the preliminary final. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

McCreery celebrates with his mum after the preliminary final win over GWS. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

McCreery, taken by Collingwood with pick 44 in the 2020 draft, has flourished under coach Craig McRae as a high-pressure medium forward.

His pace, athleticism and footy IQ has seen him become a mainstay in the Magpies line-up and a crowd favourite.

“Collingwood was probably the perfect club for him to end up at – they’re super family oriented and supportive and he gets along with the lads and they have similar interests outside of footy which helps,” Julie said.

“He’s really grown and matured and he’s really embracing life and his opportunities.

“This year has been great for his confidence and his own growth and he’s made us very proud.”

Beau McCreery with mother, Julie and grandparents Viv and Reg. Picture: Supplied

Julie, her partner Michael, Beau’s brother Jake and father Scott will all be watching on intently from the stands with Beau’s grandparents Viv and Reg watching on from Kangaroo Island.

Julie said a premiership would be the cherry on top of a fantastic year for Beau and the family.

“It would be amazing and easily one of the happiest moments of my life – we’d just be so happy for him and what he’s achieved so far.

“Most of our family lives on Kangaroo Island so we know all of them will be watching on over there.

“He’s already made us so proud and has a lot of footy ahead of him but it would mean the world if they can get the win.”