Darwin boy Zac Bailey chasing AFL premiership with Brisbane Lions

Hometown hero Zac Bailey looking to help Brisbane win their first AFL premiership in 20-years. This is the story of his rise.

Brisbane Lions media day. Brisbane Lions Zac Bailey ahead of this weeks AFL Grand Final. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

Darwin-boy Zac Bailey has a chance to write his name into the history books this Saturday, as he and the Lions chase their first AFL premiership in two decades.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who has been on fire this season with 37 goals and 18 behinds, is slated to be a key cog in Brisbane’s hopes of glory when they take on minor premiers Collingwood.

“He’s (Bailey) definitely an enormous talent and has been in great form for the Lions this season,” Bailey’s former coach Matt Cannard said.

“It’s been really special watching him do what he’s done, especially in such a short amount of time.”

A junior with Southern Districts (Crocs), Bailey showed promise as a youngster, where it was evident early on he had the ability to make it in the big leagues.

“It was pretty obvious that as a junior he was special,” Cannard said.

“He wasn’t in many of the high end programs as a kid, and if he was, he was never the first name on the list. But it was obvious he had something special about him.

“Every now and then he would make the competition up here look silly.

“He’d take on the whole team through his explosiveness out of packs and his ability to burst out of contested play.

Zac Bailey against Carlton. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Now in his fifth season at the club and having cemented a starting role in what is a stacked Brisbane outfit, Cannard put Bailey’s success down to his tremendous work ethic and drive.

“He went away to Adelaide for boarding school and played down there (SANFL), but would always come back for our (NTFL) season,” he said.

“He’s worked really hard behind the scenes honing his craft and it’s a reflection of his commitment and willingness to constantly improve and better his game.”

Cannard also attributed Bailey’s success to his humble nature and down to earth attitude.

“I’ve always admired how down to earth Zac is,” he said.

“He’s a real good Territorian kid.

“Whenever he comes back to visit he’ll come down to the club for some training sessions with the boys, he’ll stick around for a beer and always has time for the juniors.”

Originally published as Darwin boy Zac Bailey chasing AFL premiership with Brisbane Lions