Geelong’s most recent flag-winning captain Cameron Ling will hand over the AFL premiership cup to his successor Joel Selwood if the Cats are successful.<\/p>\n
A fan-favourite turned expert commentator, Ling has been chosen to present the cup to Selwood and coach Chris Scott should Geelong beat Sydney in Saturday’s grand final.<\/p>\n
Former Swans champion Paul Kelly, who captained the club for a decade, has been selected to do the honours if John Longmire’s team prevail at the MCG.<\/p>\n
But there is still no word on which Sydney captain – or captains – would make their way onto the stage alongside coach Longmire.<\/p>\n
Dane Rampe, Luke Parker and first-year co-captain Callum Mills have shared the leadership role this season.<\/p>\n
Ling took over from Tom Harley as Geelong captain in 2010 and was in the role for two seasons.<\/p>\n
He shared the podium with then first-year coach Scott when the Cats beat Collingwood in the 2011 grand final.<\/p>\n
Ling passed the captaincy baton to Selwood, who has since broken Carlton legend Stephen Kernahan’s record for most games as an AFL\/VFL club captain.<\/p>\n
“I couldn’t think of anything more special than handing over the cup to Scotty and Joel, two people who I respect so much and have great relationships with,” long-term Cats supporter Ling said.<\/p>\n
“It will be pretty special to watch the game with my wife and three boys and hopefully share the magical experience of a Cats premiership through their eyes.”<\/p>\n
Ling played in Geelong’s 2007 and 2009 premierships alongside Selwood and Harley, who is now Sydney’s chief executive.<\/p>\n
Kelly has presented the premiership cup once before, handing it over to Barry Hall and Paul Roos after the Swans’ drought-breaking 2005 success.<\/p>\n
“To reach a grand final is something we all strive for and it’s not easy to do,” said Kelly, who also played in Sydney’s 1996 grand final defeat.<\/p>\n
“Making one is hard enough, and winning one is even harder. It’s a fitting result for lots of hard work over a long period of time.<\/p>\n
“I’m extremely proud to be known as a Swan and hopefully we can raise another trophy for everyone involved.”<\/p>\n
By\u00a0Shayne Hope<\/b>\u00a0in Melbourne<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Geelong’s most recent flag-winning captain Cameron Ling will hand over the AFL premiership cup to his successor Joel Selwood if the Cats are successful. A fan-favourite turned expert commentator, Ling has been chosen to present the cup to Selwood and coach Chris Scott should Geelong beat Sydney in Saturday’s grand final. Former Swans champion Paul […]<\/p>\n