Zac Bailey becomes the latest Territory premiership player
A former Southern Districts junior has become the latest Territorian to taste AFL premiership glory. Read how he did.
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Zac Bailey has become the Northern Territory’s latest AFL premiership winning player, outpointing the Sydney Swans during a solid contribution at the MCG on Saturday.
The former Southern Districts junior, who grew up in Darwin, picked up 17 possessions including 12 kicks and provided the Lions with zest and drive as the premiers made repeated forward 50 entries against their listless opponents.
Unlike in 2023, there were no goalkicking heroics.
Bailey’s first-quarter snap against Collingwood was one of last year’s grand-final highlights but the final result, a four point defeat, took some of the gloss off the moment.
“Afterwards I probably don’t like to look back on it too much,” he said last week.
“But it was an unbelievable experience (and it’s) every kid’s dream to play in a grand final and I’ll remember that game forever.”
During an interview last week Bailey acknowledged his 2024 form had not been ideal, but said anything could happen on game day.
“It hasn’t been my greatest year but we speak about moments in games and it might not be your day, but it can be your moment,” he said.
“It might not have been my season, but it can definitely be my game and I’m going to take that into the final.”
He said the club reviewed last year’s heartbreaking loss, and the experience obviously helped the team’s preparations for 2024.
Saturday was 25-year-old Bailey’s 16th final and 140th AFL game.
The Southern Districts Cross acknowledged their former star’s achievements, posting a congratulations on social media for his role in the club’s first premiership for 21 years.
“A great big congratulations to the Brisbane Lions on their grand final win, and to our very own Zac Bailey! Well done!”, the club wrote.
“From the Crocs to the big stage, we couldn’t be prouder to see you represent at the highest level.
“Your journey is an inspiration to all our players.”
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