There was heartbreak around the state as a 2024 premiership slipped out of reach of the Dockers in their final rounds.
But as September hopes faded into hangdog expressions on the west coast, a Western Australian force was leading the charge to victory over the other side of the country.
Local lad Callum Ah Chee earned the mantle ‘Mr September’ after he slipped free from being the Brisbane Lions’ jack-of-all-trades and took his rightful place as a forward.
His reign as one of the most dangerous forwards in the 2024 AFL season included two goals in the Lions’ elimination final against Carlton, and three in the ten-point preliminary final win over Geelong – including the eleventh-hour goal that restored Brisbane’s lead and earned their ticket to the big one.
But he saved his best for the Grand Final. With the help of Ah Chee’s four goals, two direct goal assists, 14 disposals and 11 goal involvements, Brisbane devastated the Swans in a 60-point thrashing.
His performance earned him third place in the running for the Norm Smith Medal (best on ground), and the Lions acknowledged his performance in a four-way tie for the 2024 Finals Player Award at their end-of-season presentations.
As a young ruck for the Kelmscott Junior Footy Club, winning a premiership was all Callum Ah Chee ever dreamed of.
And on Monday he returned to his hometown, championship medal in hand, to pay tribute to where it all began.
“This is where my life started,” he said.
Ah Chee was born in Derby, but his family moved to Armadale when he was three to open up a world of opportunities for him and his four brothers.
He started his footy career with the Under 9s in Kelmscott after dabbling in basketball, but he made the move to South Fremantle to play senior footy and make his WAFL senior debut.
Likewise, Kelmscott was where he started off his high schooling, before getting a scholarship to Wesley College.
But his heart remained in Kelmscott and he returned to the school after a year away.
“This school holds a special place in my heart and it’s good to be back,” he said, reminiscing with staff about his time here, and catching up on what he’s missed in the 10 years since he left it all behind.
By 17, he’d already been sized up as the most promising talent from WA, but he’s thankful his parents stuck to their guns about him graduating before letting him fly the coop to follow a career in the AFL.
“I was drafted by Gold Coast fresh out of high school – I went Top 10 which was pretty special,” he said to the next generation of Kelmscott High footy proteges.
They were eagerly anticipating his visit, armed with questions about how he got his big break, and who his favourite teacher was at school.
“Mr Faletti was up there, and Mr McNess was my sports teacher and always looked after me – but there are so many great teachers here,” he said.
Star-struck students and teachers alike swarmed in to get a photo with the Kelmscott High alumnus, now a member of football royalty. And Ah Chee graciously draped his medal around each neck, smiling for each selfie with no hint of waning enthusiasm.
The Examiner even managed to sneak a couple of questions in between photos.
Unfortunately for WA, Callum Ah Chee is determined to stay in Brisbane for the long haul.
“I had a chance to play for the Eagles once, but nah – I’ve got a wife and two kids and Brisbane is home now,” he said.
So, what’s up next for this homegrown talent?
“For my whole life my dream was to play in an AFL Grand Final – and I’ve done that twice now,” he said.
“My next big goal is to make 100 games, which I’m pretty close to now. That way my son can be drafted into the club too.
“But yeah, that’s it – I’m pretty happy, to be honest.”
