Jeremy Finlayson fights tears in emotional message to terminally ill wife

Port Adelaide star Jeremy Finlayson sent an emotional message to his ill wife in an emotional post-game interview.

Kellie Finlayson and Jeremy Finlayson on their happy day. Photo: Fox Footy and Instagram, Kellie Finlayson.

Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson was overcome with emotion after his match-winning efforts on Saturday night.

The star utility paid a heartbreaking tribute to his terminally ill wife Kellie when interviewed on the field just seconds after the final siren.

The raw emotion was easy to see as he fought tears and had his voice crack when asked about his personal life.

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“I hope she’s watching. I love her so much.” Finlayson told Channel 7’s Jude Bolton.

“This is just reward of sticking tough. Doing it for Kel and Soph back home.

“I’m just happy to be out here playing footy and doing what I love.”

The couple were married in a private ceremony last month. They had originally planned to get married in October but brought the big day forward after Gardner’s heartbreaking cancer reveal.

While doctors have said Finlayson’s stage four lung cancer is terminal, the couple have continued to fight.

Kellie Finlayson, whose maiden name is Gardner, was diagnosed with the deadly disease just months after finishing her treatment for bowel cancer, which had emerged shortly after the birth of their first child Sophia in August 2021.

Kellie Finlayson and Jeremy Finlayson on their happy day. Photo: Fox Footy and Instagram, Kellie Finlayson.

The pair had celebrated at the end of the footy season after a year of chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries. They had seen doctors believing the cancer had been removed and that it would not return.

As she undergoes treatment, Kellie has been sharing her cancer journey in an effort to educate others about early detection, and she had rare good news last month.

“In line with this weeks theme of ‘lucky girl syndrome’ my tumour markers are tracking below the suspicion levels, chemo is working better than expected & the cancer is unable to thrive!!!” she wrote on Instagram.

“Someone buy me a lottery ticket.”

"I hope she's watching. I love her so much."

Jeremy Finlayson paid tribute to his wife Kellie, who is fighting cancer ❤️#AFLSwansPortpic.twitter.com/yotn2vtYZC

— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 8, 2023

Days after her wedding, she was recognised with the Inspiration Award at the Adelaide Advertiser Woman of the Year awards.

“I don’t want anyone else to go through what I’ve gone through, and if I can save one person’s life from an early detection … that’s all I’m really here for,” she said after accepting the award.

“It’s easier spoken about than hidden away.

“Any symptoms that you ever have, trust your gut, talk to your doctor, follow up with them,” she said.

“If they tell you it’s nothing, find a new doctor, they’re not the one.”

The footballer, meanwhile, has repeatedly spoken with adoration about his partner.

“She’s just a super human I guess,” Finlayson said last month.

“Just for someone who go through what she’s done.

“I know what I’d be doing, I’d be curled up in bed and sorry for myself, but she wants to get out there and help people and like she’s fighting for a life really.

“I’m still in denial. Me listening to her, it’s like she works for the cancer council or something. but I’ve always been in denial since she got diagnosed the first 18 months ago. I’ve been in denial and still am because we’re so young. I actually don’t know how she can do it, really.”

Finlayson was the Power’s fourth quarter hero against the Swans on Saturday night, kicking the winning goal in the final minutes.

Jeremy Finlayson kicks the last goal of the game. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.

Jeremy Finlayson celebrates the moment. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.

“It was backs against the wall. I thought he kicked it! I seriously thought he kicked it” Finlayson told Channel 7 post game.

The pressure had been building on Port Adelaide and senior coach Ken Hinkley following consecutive losses, including last week’s Showdown.

Finlayson admitted the team’s confidence took a hit during the week but was full of praise for the fight and admiration shown to secure the win after a slow start.

“That was a great win by the boys” he said.

“It feels like we are 0-10. Our confidence and belief hasn’t been there the last couple of weeks.

“Kenny really drove that this week.

“Kenny just had full faith in us and we got the job done”

The win for the Power is a big boost heading into Gather Round next week where they will host the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval in the marquee timeslot on Saturday night.