Accident or not? The $81,250 bid that secured a signed vintage Geelong Cats guernsey

A mystery diehard Geelong fan has secured themself a signed vintage Cats guernsey with an eye-watering bid of more than $80,000.

A vintage Geelong guernsey has been bought for more than $80,000. Picture: Mark Stewart

A Geelong fan’s staggering bid for a vintage guernsey signed by Brad Close won them the prize, but it put them back more than $80,000.

The guernsey was up for auction on the Official Memorabilia website, a licensed and trusted memorabilia partner of sports codes including AFL, NRL, Cricket Australia and more.

With a humble starting bid of $25, the price quickly escalated to $800, and within 11 bids altogether it had already reached $1,300.

Ultimately, whether it was a sickeningly expensive typo or an intentional raising of the stakes, the final bidder won the guernsey with a floor-cleaning offer of $81,500.

The guernsey was signed by Brad Close. Picture: Michael Klein

The website advertised the guernsey as an “absolute must” for collectors and a “chance to own a part of Geelong Cats history”.

“Step 100 years back in time to celebrate a Geelong great, Carji Greeves and his 2024 inaugural Brownlow Medal triumph,” the website read.

“Along with a unique collar and button detail, the back of the guernsey features the 1924 team list, while the front features an image of the Brownlow Medal and Carji Greeves’ signature below.

“This authentic guernsey has been certified by Geelong Cats to SE Products as having been worn by Brad Close for the Round 19 match between Geelong Cats and Western Bulldogs.”

Brad Close, a Geelong recruit from the 2019 rookie draft, made his debut in 2020.

Official Memorabilia has been contacted for comment.