Gold Coast Suns recruit’s real-life story of waterboy-to-football star remind fans of Hollywood movie
A Gold Coast Suns recruit’s inspiring journey from club “water boy” to AFL squad member has reminded fans of a similar story told by Hollywood in the 90s.
The tale of Lloyd Johnston — a 19-year-old emerging talent from Darwin — was revealed live on TV following the Suns’ shock belting of Geelong at his hometown’s TIO stadium.
Speaking with Channel Seven presenter Luke Darcy following the win, the four-gamer’s underdog story had viewers comparing the script to Adam Sandler’s irreverent cult classic The Waterboy.
Luke Darcy interviews Lloyd Johnston. Credit: AFL
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Adam Sandler and Henry Winkler in The Waterboy. Credit: bobby_boucher_official
“I got the opportunity to help the boys two years ago, doing water for them, getting the balls from the goals, in the changerooms, helping with the shirts, shorts,” Johnston told Darcy.
“And then yeah, I got picked up at the end of that year. Went down, and I came and played VFL. Of course, that was special, playing VFL in front of the family and friends.”
A fixture of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, the Northern Territory billing allowed Johnston and other local teammates to share the experience of playing professional footy with their family and friends in the crowd.
Hawthorn premiership star Cyril Rioli was even spotted watching on.
A youthful smile beamed off Johnston’s face as his teary-eyed mother joined him for the interview.
Johnston's mother expressed her pride in her son. Credit: AFL
“Mum almost has tears in her eyes; it’s just really good,” the zippy defender said.
Reflecting on the joyous occasion — one rarely afforded to NT players forced to leave home to play in the AFL — Johnston sensed the extent of his accomplishments and credited his family for their support.
While Sandler’s character was afflicted by a debilitating stutter, Johnston’s struggle was in choosing the right words to articulate his heightened emotions.
“Now, this is something bigger than last year. Now it’s like more... you can’t describe it, ay? It’s just mind-blowing.”
“They supported me through all my ups and downs — where I get to now is all because of them. You know, achieve it.”
When Darcy asked her if she was proud of her son, the mother revealed she never doubted his dogged determination to succeed.
“I’m beyond proud, beyond proud of him. I knew he’d get somewhere,” she said.
Shared to the AFL’s Instagram page, fans couldn’t help but share their encouragement for the young livewire.
Bobby Bucher in The Waterboy Credit: bobby_boucher_official
“Such a great story. And what a smile,” one person said.
“Gold Coast W 👏 Dimma must have watched the water boy in the off season 2023 😂”, another commented.
Johnston was added to the Suns’ list from the Darwin Academy Zone and debuted for the club in late 2023.
While Bobby Bucher, the timid mumma’s boy played by Sandler, cracked only a college football team’s roster, Johnston has arguably surpassed the fictional character’s achievements by making a professional list.
As Bobby’s mother famously claimed “no son of mine is gonna play any foos-ball,” it appears Johnston will have his family and the entire AFL world behind him as he continues to live out his dream.