‘Seriously’: AFL snubs retiring heroes in baffling oversight

As the iconic “Up There, Cazaly” rang out across an empty MCG, AFL fans were left puzzled by some big names who missed out.

Andrew McMurtry

@AndrewMcMurtry

less than 2 min read

October 25, 2020 - 4:15AM

AFL Grand Final 2020: Mike Brady performs 'Up There Cazaly'

As the tribute to retiring players was played ahead of the AFL Grand Final, fans were quick to notice several players missed the cut.

Played to Mike Brady’s iconic “Up There, Cazaly”, performed in an empty MCG accompanied by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, the honour roll played out with fond farewells for some of the greats of the game.

Catch Fox Footy’s Grand Final Week coverage on Kayo. Stream all the latest news and insight right up until first bounce plus halftime and full-time analysis from the Fox Footy commentary team. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

There were goodbyes for the likes of Kade Simpson, Bryce Gibbs, Matthew Kreuzer, Ben Stratton, Paul Puopolo, Justin Westhoff, James Frawley, Sam Jacobs, Alex Rance, Will Schofield, Nathan Brown, Travis Varcoe, Lynden Done, Brad Ebert and, of course, Geelong’s retiring legend Gary Ablett.

But fans were quick to jump on some noticeable absences, including former Magpies and Lions star Dayne Beams, 2011 Cats Premiership winner and Lions star Allen Christensen, and Essendon’s Tom Bellchambers.

Bellchambers announced his retirement on September 15, ending a 12-year playing career with Essendon — and fans weren’t impressed he appeared to be missed in the AFL’s tribute.

No Tom Bellchambers in the retired players tribute? Seriously? #AFLGF
— Alex Fair (@AJFair85) October 24, 2020

Sorry, no Tom Bellchambers tribute in the retiring package?#AFLGF
— Basil Zoccali (@BasilZoccali) October 24, 2020

Tom Bellchambers thanks fans after the Bombers’ round 8 clash.

In fairness to the AFL, Christensen’s retirement was revealed on Wednesday when the 29-year-old revealed to his teammates that his career was over.

He played 65 games for Geelong, including the 2011 Grand Final win, as well as 68 games over six seasons for the Lions.

But he was unable to force his way into the top team during the 2020 season, as the Lions finished second before being knocked out in the preliminary final.

Beams only revealed to the Herald Sun’s Sacked podcast this week that his retirement was “one of the worst hidden secrets” in the game after taking indefinite leave midway 2019 for a mental health battle.

Beams played 177 games including 119 for the Magpies in two stints and 58 for the Lions, including captaining the side in 2017 and 2018.