The AFL Grand Final always stops the nation, but the Limestone Coast has even more reasons to watch the last Saturday of September this year as the region prepares to get its claws out supporting two of its favourites.

North Gambier’s Brad Close (pictured right) and Dartmoor’s Jeremy Cameron will be running out on the hallowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground in front of around 100,000 people chasing the holy grail for Geelong against Sydney.

It is not the first time Cameron has played in the big dance, but it will be the first time Close has encountered the biggest day in Australian sport.

Watching on with pride in the stands of MCG as the Cats cruised past the Brisbane Lions to seal a seventh grand final berth in 15 years was Brad’s father Andrew and he is already bracing himself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions this weekend admitting he is a nervous watcher.

“We are obviously very proud and excited,” he said.

“I am looking forward to it, I cannot say I will not be stressed, but hopefully it will all be worth it come 5pm this Saturday.

“I do get pretty stressed (watching the footy) and will need a defibrillator next to me I think.

“We were at the preliminary final and even though they looked comfortable enough by three-quarter time I was stressed about making sure he does not get injured.

“The family is heading over and everyone is really excited to share the experience with him.”

Despite the nervous moments in the stands, Andrew knew Brad had what it took to perform at the top level having had big ambitions from an early age.

“Whether it was footy, cricket or basketball he was always passionate,” Andrew said.

“When he was 12 he said to a paper he wanted to play AFL or NBA and we sort of laughed at the time.

“But as he went through his teens he kept up his hard work and through good coaching, support and direction he was lucky enough to get picked up in the rookie draft, took his opportunity and has not looked back ever since.”

Everyone will remember Brad Close’s first moment in the AFL spotlight kicking a goal inside the first 40 seconds of his debut game.

But the youngster has really found his groove in the last two years not missing a game since round 4 last year as a connecter in the half forward line and is instantly recognisable with his long sleeves.

Father Andrew played hundreds of games for the Tigers in the WBFL, but said his son is far different player to him and has been impressed with his attitude.

“I was more see ball, get ball whereas he is much smarter and gets in the right spots with pretty good disposal efficiency,” Andrew said.

“He works hard, he trains hard, listens to the coaches and follows instructions as a team-focused role player providing pressure and run and if he kicks a goal that is a bonus.”

This Saturday will not be Brad’s first grand final having attended the 2014 edition alongside his dad, who is a passionate Hawthorn fan and they will both be hoping the Swans endure a similar painful day as they did eight years ago.

For the Cameron clan they will be hoping to make some happier memories from their first trip to the ‘G three years ago.

Then a GWS Giant 2019 had the makings of a dream year for Cameron as he claimed the Coleman Medal and kicked the first goal of his first grand final, only for Richmond to steam home to a huge 89-point win.

But now Cameron will be wearing the blue and white hoops having made the switch in 2021, which brought the forward back to his best and closer to home.

Jeremy’s mother Kelly Cameron said the goal-kicking star loves the outdoors whether he is kicking the footy or spending time on the hobby farm and they have been able to see each other more which has helped him improve.

Kelly said grand final fever has already hit the family across all ages as they plan on making the trek from the Limestone Coast to the ‘G to support “Jezza” and the Cats.

“We cannot wait for even Friday and the grand final parade because it is all so much fun,” she said.

“Jeremy’s cousin has little kids and they have been all dressed in Geelong gear as Jeremy at Kindergarten.

“We are heading down Thursday and will be staying with some family in Melbourne and it will be amazing.”