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