When more than 30,000 footy fans poured into the Gabba earlier this month, the voice welcoming them didn’t belong to a seasoned broadcaster. It belonged to 11‑year‑old Kenmore local Dahlia Neary, who was calm, clear and utterly at home under the lights.
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Chosen by the Brisbane Lions from a video audition, Dahlia stepped into the coveted Junior MC role for the Lions’ clash with Port Adelaide. She opened the show, signed it off, and with a poise that belied her age, interviewed Bruce Reville pre-game and Lions co-captain Harris Andrews after the siren. She also handled on-field crosses and match-day activities throughout.
Her performance didn’t just win over the crowd. A local news channel has since contacted the Brisbane Lions to connect with Dahlia about the experience, a sign that her blend of composure, charisma and love for the game has travelled well beyond the Kenmore postcode.
Back home, Dahlia pulls on the jumper for the Kenmore Bears AFL Club. She trains several times a week and regularly joins older girls’ teams to push herself harder. The dream? AFLW. And if her Gabba debut is anything to go by, she’s just as comfortable leading with a microphone as she is leading out of the centre.
“Her passion for AFL is matched by her natural ability to connect with a crowd — something fans saw firsthand at the Gabba. It was a special moment not just for her, but for all young girls who dare to dream big in sport and leadership,” her mother Tran shared.
“We believe this story could inspire other kids in the community — especially girls — to step up, speak out, and chase their goals, whether on the field or off it.”
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Dahlia is proof that hard work, courage and a willingness to say “yes” can open doors you didn’t even know were there. Today, it’s the Gabba. Tomorrow? The AFLW, and maybe the commentary box too.
Published 28-July-2025
