‘I’ll probably cry again’: Brisbane Lions star Callum Ah Chee’s little ‘brother’ dreams big ahead of AFL grand final

Tears streaked footy-mad nine-year-old James Hanlon’s face as he watched his hero and brother-in-law Callum Ah Chee’s Brisbane Lions go down in last year’s epic grand final to Collingwood.

AFL Fans are readying themselves for the biggest weekend of the year, when the Brisbane Lions take on the Sydney Swans in the AFL grand final match at the MCG on Saturday. Poppy Rowden, 12, will be cheering on the Swans, while James Hanlon, 9, will be cheering on his brother-in-law Callum Ah Chee and the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Brendan Radke

Tears streaked footy-mad nine-year-old James Hanlon’s face as he watched his hero and brother-in-law Callum Ah Chee’s Brisbane Lions go down in last year’s epic grand final to Collingwood.

But an inspirational text message from the emotional Cairns Saints junior may prove to be prophetic with the bubbly young footballer boldly predicting premiership glory for the dependable forward in 2024.

“Last year I cried when they lost and I remember texting Callum, ‘You’ll get ‘em next year’,” he said, reflecting on Brisbane’s narrow loss to the Pies.

Poppy Rowden, 12, is a keen North Cairns Tigers junior while and will be cheering on the Swans, while James Hanlon, 9, plays for Cairns Saints. Picture: Brendan Radke

This weekend young Hanlon will be at the MCG with his family cheering for the maroon-blue-and-gold once more, this time against minor premiers the Sydney Swans.

“Now that they’re in the grand final I’ll probably cry again at the end of the game if they win,” the talented goalsneak said.

“I’d love to run on the ground.”

James Hanlon, 9, will be cheering on his brother-in-law Callum Ah Chee, who he affectionately refers to as his brother. Picture: Brendan Radke

Brisbane Lions player Callum Ah Chee has been a standout for this year’s grand finalists. (Image/Josh Woning)

Ah Chee, who’s previously spent time mentoring Indigenous youths in Cairns at AFL Cape York House, has quietly become one of the Lions’ most dependable players, booting an equal-best six goals for Brisbane during this year’s finals campaign.

Callum Ah Chee of the Brisbane Lions celebrates during the 2024 AFL Second Preliminary Final match at The Melbourne Cricket Ground last weekend. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

If the Queensland side are to prevail, coach Chris Fagan’s reliable utility, who kicked the sealer in the preliminary final against Geelong last Saturday, will likely play a critical role, either as a forward, on the wing, or in defence.

But beyond the boundary, Hanlon, who bears more than a passing resemblance to his idol, said it’s his love for his family that sets Ah Chee apart.

“He’s one of the best brothers ever. I call him my brother because I’m really close with him,” he said.

“He always has time for me. He’s signed all my footy jumpers. I used to be a Hawks fan but dad won’t sign me up for Brisbane.

“I love the Brisbane Lions because Callum plays for them. I’ll always be a Lions supporter though, no matter what dad says.”

Poppy Rowden meanwhile, a dour defender for North Cairns Tigers who started playing AFL three years ago, will be barracking for the ‘Bloods’.

And while the AFL Cairns junior will have one eye on the match, it’s the local stars who she admires the most.

“I kind of like tackling the most but I also love just kicking and playing with my friends,” she said.

“I like watching the Tigers men and women play. I think I can learn a lot from them.”

First bounce between the Swans and Lions is scheduled for 2.30pm on Saturday.

Originally published as ‘I’ll probably cry again’: Brisbane Lions star Callum Ah Chee’s little ‘brother’ dreams big ahead of AFL grand final