River Stevens’ hero’s welcome to Geelong College year 12 graduation
Geelong College’s newest AFL alumni received quite the reception upon arriving at the celebration for the school’s leavers. SEE THE VIDEO.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
There’s having a good year 12 graduation, then there’s having a great one.
And Geelong College graduate and new North Melbourne footballer River Stevens indeed had a great one on Thursday night.
Stevens, the son of former Kangaroos captain Anthony, received a hero’s welcome at his valedictory celebrations in North Geelong after receiving the news he’d become an AFL footballer.
Stevens had to wait well over an hour to hear his name called during night two of the AFL draft.
Surrounded by family and friends at home, his name was called out with the 67th pick.
“Feeling real good,” Stevens told Fox Footy moments after his name was read.
“Excited to join the club, it’s a dream come true.”
That dream continued when the Newtown-Chilwell player ditched his Geelong Falcons polo for a suit and a Kangaroos scarf and headed to 1915 in the Federal Mills where his classmates were already celebrating.
A pair of friends chucked Stevens on their shoulders and carried him in as the crowd chanted his name.
A security guard at the soiree was less than impressed with the stunt.
“Down!” he shouted as the boys entered the venue.
To which one responded: “He’s just been drafted”.
Geelong College posted a video of Stevens’ arrival to their Instagram.
“Huge congratulations to River Stevens,” the caption read.
“The class of 2024 showed what true community spirit is all about, rallying around River and celebrating this incredible moment together.
“We can’t wait to cheer you on as you step onto the AFL stage, River.”
Stevens is a silky forward who played two games for Vic Country this year, while representing the Geelong Falcons in the Coates Talent League.
One of the highlights of his year was being judged best on ground in College’s derby against Geelong Grammar, which featured number one selection Sam Lalor.
Stevens will have big shoes to fill, his father Anthony is a member of the AFL hall of fame and was a two time best and fairest winner and two time premiership player with North Melbourne.
AFL clubs are able to draft the sons of former players who played over 100 games for the club through the father-son rule.
More Coverage
Originally published as River Stevens’ hero’s welcome to Geelong College year 12 graduation
Join the conversation
‘Dragged back’: Man sentenced over bloody Thomson assaults
A man has escaped further prison time over a number of concerning assaults on a woman in a Geelong suburb.
Read more
Lyons lashes Geelong but gives shout-out to ‘Kontelj boys’
Controversial former mayor Darryn Lyons had plenty to say about Geelong – none of it good – while in the back of a Japanese taxi recently. SEE THE VIDEO.
Read more