Ben Simmons attends Melbourne-Collingwood to cheer on Petracca

Basketball superstar Ben Simmons is making the most of his last day in Melbourne, hitting the hallowed turf of the MCG. The passionate Essendon fan is on hand to cheer on Melbourne against Collingwood, owing to a long-running personal connection.

Aussie hoops star Ben Simmons was at the MCG to see his mate Christian Petracca take on Collingwood. Picture: Daniel Pockett, AAP Image.

Superstar Melbourne basketball export Ben Simmons has traded hardwood floors for the MCG for a taste of AFL action today.

The NBA ace have braved a chilly Melbourne today to watch Collingwood take on Melbourne at the home of Australian sport.

Simmons — a passionate Essendon fan — attended the Bombers’ untimely loss to Port Adelaide at the MCG last week.

Today he turned out at the MCG to cheer for Melbourne’s Christian Petracca, who he played basketball and footy with as a teenager.

Ben Simmons shakes hands with Dees captain Jack Viney ahead of Melbourne’s clash wit h CollingwooQuinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Simmons has traded in his Bombers jumper to support his mate, Melbourne’s Christian Petracca. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images.

Both Simmons and Petracca played under 16s representative hoops for Vic Metro as well as getting their kicks for Beverley Hills Junior Football Club.

Australia’s richest athlete after recently signing a $243 million contract with NBA team the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons this week courted controversy by accusing Crown casino bouncers of declining him access to the gaming floor because of the colour of his skin.

It also emerged he was being paid an estimated $50,000 to spruik his home state for Visit Victoria.

He refused to answer questions about either issue but told the Herald Sun he was stoked to spend time in his home city during the NBA off season.

“I love being here, it’s always good to be back,’’ he said.

“It’s the longest I’ve been back in definitely a few years and I love being back to see my family and friends.

“And just being in Melbourne.’’

The NBA All-Star made time to snap some selfies with fans pre-game. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Simmons is expected in Sydney on Sunday. Picture: AAP Image, Daniel Pockett.

Michael Jordan’s career agent David Falk told the Herald Sun Simmons needed to stay true to himself.

“For Ben — he has the money, people know him, he’s an icon in Australia and the challenge is to keep growing as a player,’’ he said.

“At his age he has a lot of room to grow, as good as he is, and it has to come from within.’’

Petracca and fellow AFL footballers James Harmes and Dom Tyson spent a night partying with Simmons and NBA great LeBron James in the US in 2017.

Simmons is expected in Sydney on Sunday to host a junior basketball camp.

[e-mail]

@rolfep