Collingwood fans will bask in an incredible father-son moment if the Magpies win the Grand Final, with the AFL naming the premiership cup presenters for Saturday.
Former captain and Brownlow medallist Peter Moore could present the cup to son Darcy if Collingwood beats the Lions, who will call upon three-time premiership coach Leigh Matthews to do the honours if they win their first flag since he oversaw the 2003 triumph.
Moore, who played in five grand finals at Collingwood but never in a winning side, said it was a “massive thrill” to be involved on Saturday.
“It’s a great honour that the club has asked me to do it,” he said.
“Obviously me not winning one (Grand Final), I played in five for four losses and a draw all for Collingwood so to get the opportunity to present the cup to Darce will be fantastic.”
Magpies president Jeff Browne said Moore’s appointment was fitting given Darcy was in his first season as captain.
“Peter is a former club captain and a champion of the game, and we are thrilled to honour him in what we hope and believe will be a truly historic moment for our club,” Browne said.
“With Darcy leading the side to a Grand Final appearance in his first season as captain, having Peter as an integral part of the day is so fitting.
“If we are crowned premiers, it will be wonderful to see Peter hand over the cup to Craig McRae and Darcy on behalf of our members, fans and past players.”
Matthews accepted Brisbane’s invitation to present the cup, with Lions chief executive Greg Swan saying “there’s no one more respected at our club and in our game than Leigh Matthews”.
“Playing in a Grand Final is a special achievement for any club and I’m looking forward to the contest on Saturday,” Matthews said.
“I’ve been involved in 12 grand finals as a player and coach, but this would be a special opportunity and I’m honoured that the Lions have asked me to play a role.”
Matthews, widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest ever players with 332 games and 915 goals, also coached Collingwood to the 1990 premiership before joining the Lions in 1999.
“His impact and successes as a player, coach and administrator has left a massive legacy across the entire AFL competition and the growth of the game across Queensland,” Swann said.
“We thought it a fitting honour for Lethal.”