Mark LeCras exposes leak behind infamous Grand Final viral video

A former West Coast star has revealed just how an infamous, “disrespectful” video of him after the Grand Final got out to the public.

Former West Coast Eagles star forward Mark LeCras has spilled on how his infamous viral video made it’s way into the public eye.

LeCras and his former teammates were revelling in their premiership victory in 2018 after winning an instant classic against Collingwood.

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But in the days after their historic five-point victory, thanks to a late Dom Sheed goal from the boundary line, the gloss came off of LeCras’ celebrations thanks to one video.

After a big night out after the Grand Final win, LeCras filmed himself in a short video the following morning to send in the team’s WhatsApp group.

“Let me set the scene here,” LeCras says in the video. “Grand final, playing Collingwood, we’re down by five goals … I think you c**** know what happened.”

Speaking about the now infamous clip on the BackChat Podcast, LeCras spoke about the glaring mistake he made and the scramble that ensued after the video had been leaked.

“The team bus was picking us up at 7:30 or 8, we had a WhatsApp group among the team and there’s messages popping up throughout the night and I just thought f*** I’m gonna put something up and get a standing ovation when I get on the bus,” he said.

“I did it in my room, had just had a shower … hadn’t slept. Put it up and I just walked down to the bus as everyone is looking at it and I got the desired reaction.

“I sent it to a couple of mates and that was the mistake I made because they were up and about as well.

One of LeCras' mates leaked the video

The infamous video

“About three or four days later we were at Nick’s house getting our tattoos and I was flat. I was getting my tattoo and I get a message and it’s that message.

“I was thinking to myself ‘f***. I never sent it to that bloke I don’t know what’s happening here’. Then I had like two or three more people sending it to me.

“I just remember thinking, like I was worried because I had sort of forgotten about it that I had disrespected Collingwood and then obviously dropping the C bomb and having to do school pick-ups with the teachers and that I felt flat.

“I remember ringing Stapes at the club and I was like, ‘Mate I’m getting this message sent around’ and he said don’t worry I’ll shut it down, like he thought he could shut down Facebook.

“I said it’s out there I just want to put an apology out, let me do it right now. Half an hour later he rings me back sheepishly and says, ‘Might be time to put that apology out’.

“That wrecked me though, I was flat about that.”

The Eagles won a classic. picture. Phil Hillyard

LeCras issued a public apology shortly after the video had whipped around social media, setting the footy world abuzz.

“I am extremely embarrassed that a video post using unacceptable language that I sent to a private group has been circulated publicly,” LeCras wrote.

“I unreservedly apologise for the use of that language and any offence it has caused. I take full responsibility for this error.”

LeCras called time on his illustrious playing career after the 2018 Grand Final victory, having played 219 games and kicking 441 goals.

“I’m very comfortable with the decision,” LeCras said after announcing his retirement.

“I have had a couple of weeks to think about it, discuss it with my family and the club and it just feels like the right time.

“I couldn’t be happier after playing in a winning Grand Final with so many blokes who will be mates for the rest of my life. The last few weeks have been something really special and I’ll never forget the feeling when the final siren sounded.

“I was starting to wonder whether I’d ever get the chance to experience the elation that I have heard so many other players talk about. It’s everything they said and a little more.”