Ben Graham’s place in American football’s Super Bowl has given his former AFL teammates at Geelong a boost in what is generally the tough slog of pre-season.
The Cats had a team meeting scheduled at the time Graham and his Arizona Cardinals were playing the Philadelphia Eagles to secure the NFC place in the Super Bowl.
So the Cats, at the insistence of Graham’s mates Darren Milburn and Matthew Scarlett, had the meeting re-scheduled and watched the end of the game as a group.
The Cardinals’ 32-25 win means Graham will be the first Australian to play in the biggest day of the American sporting calendar, provided he can overcome a groin injury.
The Cats were naturally delighted for their former skipper, who played 219 games in 11 AFL seasons before punting on forging a career in the NFL, and who returns during his off-season to catch up with his former teammates.
“It’s pretty outstanding, isn’t it?” Geelong chief executive Brian Cook said.
“The more mature guys, the ones who played with Ben, are really excited for him.
“He’s hung in there all season, and we’re just so happy for him.”
Before the match Geelong sent a message of good luck to Graham and the club fired off a congratulatory note on Monday.
The Cats now hope the Cardinals can produce one more win, against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl at Tampa Bay on February 1.
While Graham, his family and friends celebrated, the result left another AFL player, former Collingwood and North Melbourne forward Saverio Rocca, devastated.
Rocca’s Eagles got their noses in front in the second half, but were overrun.
Sav’s brother, Magpies forward Anthony – who also harbours a dream to try out in the NFL – also juggled his training commitments with watching events across the Pacific.
“They did pretty well getting back and in the end they just couldn’t get over the line,” Anthony told Network Ten.
“He was very upset, but he’s had a great year.
“He’s a real inspiration to myself and to other aspiring Australian punters.”
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