Ling or Kelly to present AFL trophy

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 Kelly, who captained the club for a decade, has been selected to do the honours if John Longmire’s team prevail at the MCG.

But there is still no word on which Sydney captain – or captains – would make their way onto the stage alongside coach Longmire.

Dane Rampe, Luke Parker and first-year co-captain Callum Mills have shared the leadership role this season.

Ling took over from Tom Harley as Geelong captain in 2010 and was in the role for two seasons.

He shared the podium with then first-year coach Scott when the Cats beat Collingwood in the 2011 grand final.

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.

“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.

“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.”

Ling played in Geelong’s 2007 and 2009 premierships alongside Selwood and Harley, who is now Sydney’s chief executive.

Kelly has presented the premiership cup once before, handing it over to Barry Hall and Paul Roos after the Swans’ drought-breaking 2005 success.

“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.

“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.

“I’m extremely proud to be known as a Swan and hopefully we can raise another trophy for everyone involved.”

By Shayne Hope in Melbourne