A pigeon proved as tough as any of the Geelong and Hawthorn players at the MCG on Monday afternoon.
The bird parked itself inside the centre circle and held its position even as the ruckmen charged towards it following the umpire’s bounce.
Cameras panned to an official trying to get the pigeon off the ground following a Luke Breust goal in the first quarter, but they were unsuccessful and it set social media alight.
Channel 7 sideline commentator Abbey Holmes updated viewers on the situation at quarter time.
“A ripping opening term by both sides but there was the toughest and bravest pigeon we have seen in the centre of the ground throughout the opening term,” she said.
“It would definitely be tough midfielder of the bird variety. As you can see the AFL has ushered the pigeon off the ground. They didn’t capture it. It flew away itself.
“Hopefully it doesn’t come back. It seems to love the centre of the ground.”
Social media went into meltdown over the pigeon’s antics.
Jacob McArthur tweeted: “Can someone please save that damn pigeon near the centre circle? Its presence is giving me anxiety. Football’s stressful enough.
“If two better teams were playing, they’d stop and shift the game elsewhere out of respect for the pigeon.”
Erin Marie wrote: “Hawthorn needs as much determination today as the fearless pigeon in the centre square.”
Darren Levin said: “No matter the result the pigeon is the real winner today.”
Anthony Steward joked the “pigeon deserves a bravery medal” for “standing up to both Cats and Hawks”,
Geelong were ahead 8.7 (55) to 5.7 (37) in the third quarter.