AS his teammates celebrated, Cam and Zach Guthrie embraced.

When the jubilant Cats spilled into the rooms beneath the Gabba following the club’s preliminary final victory over the Lions, one of the season’s most endearing moments unfolded quietly in the corner.

It was an unfiltered moment of brotherly love, a bond that goes deeper than football.

Holding back tears and oblivious to the world around them, the Guthrie brothers shared a rare moment of raw emotion.

For Cam Guthrie it was a culmination of a decade of unrewarded effort, having arrived at the club just in time to watch the 2011 grand final from the sidelines.

“It feels like a long time coming and you’re not really owed anything,” Guthrie says.

“You’re not owed a grand final experience by any means, but it felt like ten years of hard work had culminated into that moment.”

Zach for his part, was in the rooms as one of four non-playing emergencies, tantalisingly close to a spot in the side.

It was an experience Cam could relate with.

“In a way I was disappointed that Zach... I wasn’t going to be able to share it with him because he’s involved with the club but wasn’t out on the field,” Cam says.

“It was kind of mixed emotions, but it was good. Footy brings out emotions both in us as players and our great fans.”

A guaranteed ticket to a grand final capped off a wildly successful season for Cam –the softly-spoken and loveable Cat.

With 161 games to his name coming into the season, the departure of Tim Kelly afforded Guthrie the permanent midfield position that would see him flourish.

All Australian honours and a Carji Greeves medal followed, as Guthrie was named the Cats Best and Fairest player ahead of names such as Dangerfield, Selwood and Hawkins.

“It was definitely an honour, being recognised like that. Overall, just looking back on the season I’m really proud of our group.

“Things went my way last year a little bit and I was able to put every game together which I haven’t done for a few seasons. That definitely helps and some great, supportive teammates.

All Australian recognition in the form of a staring wing position, elevates Guthrie to one of the game’s elite midfield talents.

You just won’t catch the humble Cat ever buying into the hype.

“I kind of feel like I belong at AFL level and have the capabilities to be a really good contributor,” he says in his typical understated manner.

“It definitely meant a lot. I’ve seen a number of my teammates receive that award and I’ve been really proud of those guys.

“I maybe thought that if I put together a great season one year that I might be able to put on the blazer as well.

“I guess any time your country comes into it and you’re one of the best in your country, that’s a pretty cool feeling.”