How a late father’s early lessons and a mother’s constant presence shaped an AFL draft hopeful

Detailed summary

Victorian midfielder Lachie Hicks hopes to be drafted into the AFL next week, and he will be thinking of one person, in particular, if it happens.

There was always someone in Lachie Hicks’ corner when things got tough in his draft year.

In a world where sports parents can be overbearing, the talented Western Jets midfielder, who also played for Altona and Wesley College, has had a far more positive experience with his mum and No.1 fan, Christina.

“She comes to every single game. She doesn’t say too much – she kind of stays away – but I know she always wants the best for me, and obviously, ideally, she wants me to make it [as an AFL player].

“She’s always been my biggest support, and it’s always been there for me as well – every bad game, every good game.”

Hicks averaged almost 29 disposals, five clearances and 1.4 goals for the Jets in an outstanding Talent League campaign this past season, then put his athletic prowess on display with top-10 results in draft combine testing in agility, the two-kilometre time trial and the 20-metre sprint.

His late father, Scott, introduced him and his other son, Brodie to football not long after they could walk.

Scott played for Essendon’s reserves and under-19 sides, as well as playing 54 VFA games for Box Hill and another eight at Port Melbourne with his older brother Ashley after starting at Doutta Stars, where the Hicks family has a strong legacy.

A serious heart condition brought a premature end to his football career, then tragically his life six years ago while he was sleeping.

Doutta Stars and Box Hill each posted their condolences at the time, illustrating the impact Scott – or “Scacs”, as he was known – had at each club, describing him as a “naturally talented, likeable larrikin”.

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