Hawthorn forward Calsher Dear spoke to the media about his season so far, his bond with Jack Gunston and how proud his father Paul would be of him. 

It comes after the 19-year-old’s Round 23 Telstra AFL Rising Star nomination following his three-goal haul in the Hawks’ 63-point victory over Richmond on Sunday afternoon at the MCG.

We summarised the key points from Dear’s press conference below. 

On his season so far

“It’s been a lot of unexpected for me. Obviously, I came in at the end of last year and thought I’d be a bit more of a development player but so much has happened and I’m very happy with how we as a team have gone. Obviously, it’s a goal for everyone at AFL level to debut but I knew that I had to put work in at VFL level. After the first game of VFL, I didn’t pay too well which was a bit of a reality check for me. Going into that week (his debut in Round 8), we had a lot of injuries and a lot of things didn’t go my way so I knew it was a chance to hold my spot in the side has just been a dream come true and I’m so happy.” 

On his bond with Jack Gunston 

“We lost our dads within three days of each other which I’m sure a lot of people know. He’s been huge for me. He’s played over 250 games and the experience that he’s trying to bleed into me through watching vision and all the little tips and techniques have helped me massively. I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am without him. He’s the one who told me about the rising star, he told me about the debut and I don’t think there would be anyone else that I’d want to tell me. It means so much to me knowing he’s got my back and he’s going to help me through the whole way.”

On how proud his father Paul would be of him 

“I reckon he’d be wanting me to crash into a few more packs like he was. But I’m sure he’d be happy with me and how much we’ve achieved as a family. I haven’t forgotten him but we’re going well.”

Watch Dear’s full press conference below.