‘It is beautiful’: Lions star explains reasoning behind heartwarming mid-match embrace

Struck by personal tragedy, the Brisbane Lions rallied around Callum Ah Chee on an emotional night against North Melbourne.

Callum Ah Chee was emotional after personal tragedy on Saturday night.

Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale has explained the emotional scenes involving teammate Callum Ah Chee during last Saturday night’s win over North Melbourne.

Ah Chee kicked a goal in the fourth quarter before pointing to his armband and the sky as teammates swarmed to their tearful teammate.

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Speaking on AFL 360, Neale said Ah Chee’s reaction – and embrace with coach Chris Fagan after the game – stemmed from a personal tragedy.

“His nan unfortunately passed away on Saturday morning, the day of the game. For him to lace up the boots and get out there and play as well as he did was an amazing effort,” Neale said.

“The guys really rallied behind him and it was great he could finish in that last quarter with a goal as well.

“For him to play as well as he did on such a tough day for him was fantastic and the guys really got around him which is what we’re all about.”

Stunning scenes. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Ah Chee performed incredibly despite the emotional toll the day would’ve had on him – he finished with 20 disposals and a goal to go with seven score involvements.

Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca labelled the moment “beautiful” and explained how the culture of football clubs can often be healing for those going through off-field difficulty.

“I think at the end of the day, footy is only a part of us as an aspect of who we are as humans. We have a life and stuff outside of footy. The best thing about footy is the relationships and the culture that footy clubs create,” he said.

“You go to work and have distractions away from footy but just put them aside for the time you’re there. Anyone that retires understands, that’s the thing they miss, that banter with their teammates, getting massages and just talking a bit of crap, that’s the thing we love about footy clubs, it sort of distracts you away from stuff that’s going on in your life.

“To see those scenes, it is beautiful. To see the guys hugging the coach and those relationships, it is amazing.”

Originally published as ‘It is beautiful’: Lions star explains reasoning behind heartwarming mid-match embrace