Football analyst Garry Lyon has applauded Geelong defender Tom Lonergan for what he describes as “the classiest act of the year”.

Following an incident in the first quarter of the Cats’ round 23 win over Greater Western Sydney at Simonds Stadium, Lonergan sought out Giant forward Toby Greene, who had received a hit to the body in a marking contest.

Greene was seen writhing in pain on the ground for a number of minutes before being helped to his feet, and Lyon says that Lonergan ensured his opponent was okay is a measure of the man.

“There was a moment in the game when the most courageous player playing AFL footy, Tom Lonergan, went over to Toby Greene after he got kneed in the back…it was the classist act of the year,” Lyon told 1116 SEN Breakfast on Monday morning.

“Toby isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and Geelong supporters were giving it to him. He got the knee in the kidney that Tommy had, and he straightaway recognised it as a danger.”

“He went over to him and patted him on the back and said are you all right, and to make sure you have no blood in your pee.”

“It was the classist act from the most courageous player playing the game.”