Amazing reception for Bondi Beach hero Ahmed Al Ahmed ahead of AFL season opener
An enormous cheer went up for Bondi Beach hero Ahmed Al Ahmed as he and other first responders from the December terrorist attack were honoured ahead of the first AFL game of the season on Thursday night.
Two months after receiving a standing ovation, a round of applause and a huge cheer at the SCG on day one of the fifth Ashes Test, Ahmed received another rousing reception prior to the match between Sydney and Carlton at the same venue.
Sydney's newly appointed chief executive, Fremantle legend Matthew Pavlich, was the master of ceremonies for a moving pre-match tribute.
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Ahmed Al Ahmed is honoured at the footy. Fox Footy
Representatives from NSW Ambulance, NSW Police, the SES, Waverly Council and Surf Life Saving NSW were all honoured, as were hospital workers, community health representatives and rabbis.
"And representing our community heroes, please make welcome Ahmed Al Ahmed," Pavlich said, prompting an amazing reception.
Standing with his left arm in a sling, having had three rounds of surgery after sustaining five gunshot wounds, the father-of-two waved to the crowd with his right hand, then placed his hand on his chest and bowed.
A moment's silence followed before the Swans-Blues match got under way.
