The footy world has had its collective coronary heart warmed by a touching second between former dual-code star Simon O’Donnell and his youngest son James.
Ahead of James’ whirlwind debut for the Western Bulldogs, Simon was given the chance to current him along with his debut jumper.
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The 20-year-old has obtained a senior call-up to cap off a whirlwind 5 weeks since he was signed as a class B rookie, with three spectacular VFL video games and an “unbelievably impressive” pre-season incomes him the religion of Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge.
O’Donnell senior performed six Tests and 87 ODIs for Australia, in addition to 24 VFL video games for St Kilda. But it’s been an enormous week along with his eldest son Tom just lately contracted to Victoria as a cricketer and now James set to debut within the AFL.
O’Donnell stated it was “surreal” to see the pair each rewarded for his or her perseverance in the identical week.
“We’re all just so proud of them. All our family are just so proud of how they’ve fought through the whole process and just tried to be as good as they can,” O’Donnell stated.
“If they’ve ever asked anything of their parents and sister, we’ve been very happy to answer, but we haven’t pushed them one way or the other.
“Having been through all the lows and highs – will this happen, won’t this happen – it’s quite surreal in a way.”
O’Donnell stated James’ debut was the results of a brave choice to comply with by on his unfulfilled childhood ambitions in soccer.
He stated the 197cm quick bowler had been hampered by the 2 Covid-interrupted seasons and a fast progress spurt after taking part in most of his junior footy as a midfielder.
“It was Christmas time he stopped playing cricket – in James’ words, he said he had an itch he had to scratch – he wanted to answer the question, can I or can’t I?” O’Donnell stated.
Beveridge was at pains to say James’ debut had been hard-earned – the coach stated his signing 5 weeks in the past had been “trivial” and the speedy left-footer had earnt his spot off the again of a outstanding summer time with the VFL program.
“He’s just been unbelievably impressive with everything he’s done. We had our doubts he’d be able to complete a pre-season seeing he hasn’t really played much footy,” Beveridge stated.
“It surprised us that everything we threw at him he was able to manage, and we’ve been able to school him in a couple of roles and try to prepare him.”
Social media was ablaze on the footage launched by the Western Bulldogs, with statistician Owen Jones calling it “beautiful”.
10 News’ sport presenter, Stephen Quartermain, stated it was “as good as it gets”.
Source: www.news.com.au
