Joel Selwood carries Levi Ablett, 3, through Geelong banner onto MCG

There’s been an emotional moment early in the AFL grand final as a footy star carried out a selfless act for a club legend.

There was an emotional moment early in this year’s AFL Grand Final as the Geelong captain walked onto the MCG holding the son of club legend Gary Ablett Jr.

There was an emotional moment early in this year’s AFL grand final as the Geelong captain walked onto the MCG holding the son of club legend Gary Ablett Jr.

Joel Selwood carried Levi, 3, through the banner with him as the Cats made their way onto the turf for their clash with the Sydney Swans in front of 100,000 fans.

Selwood had revealed his plans on Friday, saying it was “Gaz’s turn to cheer on his little son”.

Geelong skipper Joel Selwood hugged Gary Ablett Jnr after carrying his son Levi onto the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein

Selwood had revealed his plans on Friday. Picture: Michael Klein

“I’ll let you in on a little secret, his son’s going to run out with me tomorrow which is pretty special,” the Geelong skipper told SEN radio.

“I think it’s only fair that an Ablett is performing on grand final day.

“That will be pretty special for the Ablett family, but also the Geelong faithful.”

A dual Brownlow medallist, Ablett Jr retired at the end of the 2020 season after Geelong’s grand final loss to Richmond.

Levi, who has a rare degenerative disease, was carried onto the MCG wearing a Geelong guernsey printed with Selwood’s number 14.

Ablett Jr’s wife Jordan Ablett thanked Selwood for the gesture earlier on Saturday.

Ablett Jr was on the field for a grand final again, two years after he retired following the Cats’ loss to Richmond. Picture: Michael Klein

“It’s hard to put into words how beautiful of a gesture this is but know that our family is beyond grateful for you and your big heart,” she wrote on Instagram, sharing a photo of Levi’s tiny guernsey.

“You’re a champion off the field just as much as you are on it.

“It’s our absolute joy to send our son out with you today.”

Ablett told the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal that Levi’s medical conditions mean he has never spoken and doctors say he likely never will.

“Although I will say, despite him not being able to communicate, I do feel as though I’ve really learnt to understand him over the years – I have had to put a lot of confidence in my parenting,” she said.

“It’s also difficult because I’d love to just hear his thoughts, have conversation with my boy and for us to know that he understands how much we love him.”

The Abletts welcomed a daughter, Grace, in November last year.