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.
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.