Bailey Humphrey is making a big impact for the Gold Coast Suns this season, showing significant growth from his debut and drawing inspiration from a childhood friend who tragically passed away.
"I have really high standards for myself and I'm playing some pretty good footy at the moment. I'm just trying to make sure I don't get too happy with myself. I'm trying to stay down to earth and keep making sure I can go to work on my craft," he said.
Last week, Humphrey kicked a brilliant goal after gathering a loose ball, shrugging off a tackler, and slotting it from 50 metres. He then raised his arm to the sky in a tribute to his childhood friend Riley Pearce, who tragically lost his life to suicide before Humphrey was drafted.
"I was talking to his dad during the week and I thought it was the perfect goal to point to the sky making sure he knows I'm still here," he said.
"I told his dad I'd do it and he was really appreciative. His mum and dad are two special people to me. They try and get to as many games as they can and they always watch ? after every game they always send me a message even if it's 11 o'clock after a night game and they always give me a 'Good luck' message too, which is so nice."