THE smile wouldn’t leave Tate Waterson’s face.
The six-year-old Brisbane Lions fan finally got to meet his football idol Jonathan Brown as the champion forward made a popular homecoming yesterday.
“He wouldn’t go to school today because he was worried he would miss out,” Tate’s mother Tanya Waterson said.
“He’s been counting down the days. We went to the opening game of the season but unfortunately Jonathan wasn’t playing.
“My husband Sean had to take him back again when Browny was in the side.”
Brown was in the south-west yesterday for the launch of the Warrnambool franchise of fitness centre chain Snap Fitness, in which he has a share.
The 30-year-old former South Warrnambool junior was generous with his time, answering questions and posing for photos at the Bayside City Plaza.
Brown said he was looking forward to becoming a father for the second time, with his wife Kylie Adams expecting a sibling for their daughter Olivia, 2.
“October, November will pretty much be fatherly duties and trying to look after my wife before she gives birth, hopefully to a healthy child, in November.
“Not sure when it’s going to be yet but I’m looking forward to that.”
Brown said he also hoped to relax during the off-season having made a successful recovery in 2012 from horrific facial injuries suffered in 2011.
“I need a really good spell for three months to let the body recharge physically and mentally. Hopefully there aren’t too many sleepless nights.”
