The mother of Hawthorn father-son draftee Calsher Dear wishes his late father, AFL great Paul Dear, was there on Sunday to see the 18-year-old make his debut as she was overcome with emotion after the game.
Cherie Dear joined her son Calsher in a radio interview after the teenager kicked two goals in the Hawks’ seven-point upset win over the Western Bulldogs.
She fought back tears when asked to explain how she felt watching from the stands.
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“How was your emotion and the level of pride you had, being up there in the stands and watching your boy do what, of course, your great husband did as well?” Channel 7 AFL commentator Abbey Holmes asked on Triple M.
“I’m not often speechless,” Cherie replied, “but I really was (today).
“Very emotional after seeing the first goal and just really wishing Paul could have been here to see it as well.
“I can say that now that he’s had the game — I didn’t want him to feel upset beforehand about that.
“But yeah, it’s a really emotional day. But I’m so proud of your mental composure, Calsh, to be able to go out there and do that in your first game.
“It’s a lot of pressure on young shoulders, but I think you’re just like dad with your mental toughness and ability to take things on your shoulders and do your best.”
Cherie had been overseas in Europe visiting her daughter when she got the news that Calsher would play against the Dogs.
“I’m so speechless … it’s a dream come true,” the debutant told Triple M.
The rangy forward had built a special bond with Hawks veteran Jack Gunston, not just because they play in the same area of the ground, but because they both tragically lost their fathers in the same week.
“Unfortunately, we’ve got a special bond between us (after) both losing our fathers within three days,” Dear said.
“I can tell you I definitely wouldn’t be here without him and without his mentoring and all the support and work he’s put into me.
“To learn off someone like Jack Gunston is just unreal and such a privilege.”