Geelong leaders Chris Scott and Patrick Dangerfield praised for sportsmanship after grand final loss to Brisbane

Geelong coach Chris Scott and captain Patrick Dangerfield have been lauded for showing classy sportsmanship in the wake of their disappointing grand final loss.

After the match, Scott marched directly out to the middle of the ground and got around — what appeared to be — every single Brisbane player.

He saved a special embrace for the Ashcrofts, Will and Levi, who were sharing the moment with their father, Marcus Ashcroft.

Scott is of course a former Brisbane player, and played with Marcus during the Lions’ other golden era when they won three premierships in a row from 2001-2003.

Scott played in the Lions’ 2001 and 2002 flags while Marcus played in all three.

At one stage, Marcus and Scott put their heads together and shared a brief and emotional moment.

Meanwhile, Dangerfield was also praised for his classy post-match speech.

“Firstly, congratulations to Fages (coach Chris Fagan), Harris (Andrews), Lachie (Neale) and the entire Brisbane organisation,” Dangerfield said to the Lions.

“You guys were super today, thoroughly deserving winners.

“To the AFL, thank you for putting on the best game in the world.

“To the fans who make it the best game in the world, we love you guys.

“To both Brisbane and Geelong fans, it is what is so special about our game.

“To our guys, be proud and hold your heads up high.

“We don’t as Australians always celebrate those that come second all that well, but there’s plenty to be proud of today.

“Beaten by a better side, but very proud of our team.

“To our major sponsors, thank you for your support. But Brisbane, you were far too good. Congratulations.”

Fans though Dangerfield was brilliant.

“Your captain was all class in his post-match speech. Patrick Dangerfield proving what an absolute gentleman he is. Massive respect to him,” one fan said.

And another: “Great speech by Cats captain Patrick Dangerfield. #sportsmanship.”

And another: “Patrick Dangerfield, great speech, all class #AFLGF.”

It wasn’t all doom and gloom in the Geelong rooms after the loss, and Dangerfield doubled down on his pride for his own team and the season it had.

“There’s a lot of kids in the rooms, that probably makes a big difference,” Dangerfield later said.

“They’re an elixir. It’s still a disappointed room, make no mistake about that. Still incredibly proud of our players.

“Chris is, Steve (Hocking) is. We don’t recognise great seasons all that well for the team that comes second, but there’s still so much to be proud of as a team and as an organisation.

“We just weren’t quite able to get it done when it mattered most but we played a fantastic team.”