Sam Lalor, the draftee for Boom Tigers, has landed an endorsement with the Australian underwear brand Bonds after an unexpected wardrobe malfunction during his inaugural AFL match last Thursday. As last year’s first overall draft pick, the young player significantly contributed to Richmond’s narrow 13-point victory over Carlton, completing the match with 18 disposals, two goals, and eight score involvements.
At just 18 years old, Lalor demonstrated not only his impressive skills on the field but also encountered an unforgettable moment during the match at the MCG when celebration cameras captured the moment his shorts briefly failed to provide adequate coverage. Following the match, he acknowledged the incident in an Instagram post expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play, amending his words with an eggplant emoji for light-hearted emphasis.
His teammate, Tim Taranto, took to Instagram to tag Bonds in a post highlighting Lalor’s debut, which attracted the brand’s attention. Bonds decided to step in, offering Lalor men’s trunks for additional support during his future games, ensuring he stays secure on the field. In a social media clip, Bonds referenced Lalor’s debut and the awkward incident, explaining their decision to reach out to him in light of Taranto’s shoutout.
While it remains unclear whether this partnership is a temporary arrangement or if Lalor will be officially signed as a brand ambassador—much like former Tiger legend Dustin Martin, who endorsed Bonds in the latter part of his career—Bonds is seizing this moment to promote the ‘Sammy Lalor edit’. This special collection features men’s underwear designed to ensure comfort and security during the footy season, currently offered at a 22 per cent discount, coinciding with Lalor’s guernsey number.
Bonds wrapped up their promotional video with a humorous reminder to avoid similar mishaps, encouraging fans to be prepared both on and off the field. Lalor’s impressive performance has not gone unnoticed, as he has also received a nomination for the AFL Rising Star Award for his efforts in round one.