Chris ‘Bear’ Bryan takes thrilling mark for Keysborough in Southern Football Netball League

AT 36, former AFL player Chris “Bear’’ Bryan is supposed to be in the twilight of his career. But he wound back the clock to take an incredible mark that had spectators gasping. WATCH THE VIDEO

AT THE age of 36, and after years of good football, Chris “Bear’’ Bryan is supposed to be winding down, not going up for spectacular marks.

But there he was last Saturday, launching for — and landing — a thrilling grab for Keysborough in the Southern league.

Happily for the former Carlton and Collingwood big man, the mark in the third quarter against Highett was captured on video and by club photographer Andy Bekierz.

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Chris Bryan takes a speccie for Keysborough. Picture: Andy Bekierz

Chris Bryan has taken his share of speccies over the years.

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Bryan, 200cm, has taken his share of speccies over the years, but he said Saturday’s was probably the best.

He said he heard the roar of the crowd while he was still in the air.

“The ball was coming down the wing and Cory Hargreaves kicked it forward,’’ Bryan said.

“I got stuck behind my opponent so I went for the jump and luckily enough got the ride and some push-up as well.

“Yeah, held on to it, didn’t drop it when I hit the deck, which was nice. It was a good feeling.

Chris Bryan played 30 games for Collingwood.

He left the Magpies in 2009.

“I said to the boys after the game, I heard the crowd roaring when I was still on my way down.

“You know you’ve been up there for a little while when you can take that in. Usually you’re straight up and down.

“To be up there with the ball in your hands and look down and hear the crowd, it’s a pretty surreal feeling. You practice that stuff when you’re a boy on the bag.’’

Bryan finished the match not only with a marvellous mark, but six goals, taking his season tally to 72 from 16 outings.

The left-footer was drafted by Carlton as a 22-year-old mature-aged recruit.

Chris Bryan was also a professional punter in the NFL.

The left-footer — who played 16 games Carlton and 30 for Collingwood and later went to the US for an NFL stint as a punter — is relishing his time at Keysborough.

He played junior football with the Kookaburras before going on to the TAC Cup, the VFL and then the AFL.

“I really appreciate the club for what it is,’’ Bryan said.

“I’m grateful every time I walk in the rooms. It holds a special place in my heart and it always will. I’ve got three young boys and they run out to me at every quarter break and after the game and they always think daddy played the best. That’s the stuff now I cherish more than anything.’’

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