A rolled ankle and a loss, but King Kyle’s footy cameo still declared a success

Kyle Chalmers’ return to his childhood club did not go exactly to plan but the Olympic hero still had the whole town talking.

It was the footy cameo the whole town was talking about, but in the end it only lasted a few minutes.

Olympic gold medallist and world record holder Kyle Chalmers pulled on the boots for his old club Lincoln South on Saturday for a run in the B-grade against Marble Range, but a rolled ankle saw him back on the bench before he could make an impact.

Chalmers told 7News he’d missed the “vibe” of a team sport.

“Just to be accepted by all the boys, it’s been a lot of fun,” he said.

According to Souths’ president Scott Jarvis, the swim champ’s very presence was a boost for Port Lincoln footy.

Kyle Chalmers playing B-Grade for Lincoln South against Marble Range. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Robert Lang

“It was a bit of an unfortunate start for Kyle,” Mr Jarvis said.

“He was only on for about 10 minutes in the end, not a lot of game time.

“But the crowd here today was just fantastic – we haven’t seen a crowd like that in a long time.

“And there were kids running around in Waybacks shorts, Mallee Park shorts – everyone was here to see Kyle. We were really happy that the league gave the nod for him to play.”

Chalmers lined up with fellow swimming champ Matt Temple, who had a more successful game.

“Matt did really well,” Mr Jarvis said.

“I think he ended up our third-best player.”

Chalmers grew up in Port Lincoln. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Robert Lang

Looking good in Blue & Gold of Lincoln South Kyle Chalmers and Matt Temple Picture: Facebook

Kyle Chalmers on Centenary Oval. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Robert Lang

The star recruits couldn’t help the Eagles in the end though, with Marble Range running away with a fairly comfortable victory.

Talking to teammates in the change-rooms, Chalmers - whose AFL-playing father Brett coached Lincoln South to an A-grade flag in 2002 - said he was honoured to be welcomed back to his childhood club.

“Thanks for having us out here today, it’s so good to be home,” he said.

Kyle Chalmers playing B-Grade AFL for Lincoln South against Marble Range. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Robert Lang

Kyle Chalmers gets a chat on the bench. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Robert Lang

“We check the results every single week while we’re away no matter what, and it’s been a good season for you guys so far. I’m honoured to pull the blue and gold on again today and have a run with you all.

“Obviously I grew up watching some of you guys as my idols as a junior, and I got a bit nervous kicking the footy to you the other night. It’s been so good to have a game with you all and I’m looking for to having a beer or two with you.”

Kyle Chalmers new tuna tattoo. Picture: Mantra Tattoo

Kyle Chalmers playing B-Grade AFL for Lincoln South against Marble Range. Picture: Robert Lang

The day before Saturday’s clash the heavily-inked swimmer – nicknamed the Big Tuna – popped in to Port Lincoln studio Mantra to get a southern bluefin tattooed on his ankle by artist Greg Lawrence.

Originally published as A rolled ankle and a loss, but King Kyle’s footy cameo still declared a success