Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Hawthorn rookie Jack Dalton was left red faced after his mother stole the spotlight during a live television interview, producing one of the lighter moments of the AFL season. The entertaining exchange came as Dalton reflected on his remarkable recovery from a serious wrist injury that threatened his draft hopes before he was selected by the Hawks.
Dalton appeared alongside his mother during the broadcast as he discussed the devastating gym accident that occurred during his draft year.
The young forward explained he suffered the injury while performing box squats with resistance bands attached to the barbell.
As he completed the exercise, the bar rolled backwards and both of his wrists were broken.
Despite the major setback, Hawthorn selected Dalton with pick 34 in the 2025 AFL Draft, rewarding his resilience after months of rehabilitation.
Mum provides unforgettable moment
The interview took a humorous turn when Dalton's mother interrupted to share a personal story that caught both her son and the commentary team off guard.
Asked about the sacrifices made throughout Jack's football journey, she reflected on caring for him after the accident before joking about helping him with everyday tasks.
She quipped that she even had to help him shower, adding it was simply something you do for a toddler.
The comment immediately embarrassed Dalton and drew laughter from those involved in the broadcast.
Moments later, the conversation turned emotional as Dalton's mother spoke about how proud she was to see her son fulfil his AFL dream after spending time recovering in hospital during his draft year.
She pointed to a photograph of Dalton in his hospital bed and said it was remarkable to see how far he had come in just 12 months.
Dream debut after difficult road
Dalton made his AFL debut in Round 4 against Geelong at the MCG on Easter Monday, one day after celebrating his birthday.
The match marked the culmination of a difficult recovery and a rapid rise through Hawthorn's system after being drafted despite his injury concerns.
The young forward said he had embraced life at the Hawks and credited teammate Dylan Moore for helping accelerate his development.
Dalton explained he regularly reviews vision with Moore and tries to learn as much as possible from the experienced forward.
He also praised Hawthorn's culture, saying the club had created an environment where every player was committed to improving and chasing success together.
Family loyalties divided
The interview finished with another light hearted exchange about the family's football allegiances.
Dalton's mother revealed her father had played for South Melbourne, meaning the family had traditionally supported the Swans.
Dalton quickly interrupted to declare they were now a Hawthorn family.
His mother laughed before admitting there was still plenty of affection for Sydney as well.
That divided loyalty could become relevant later this season, with Hawthorn and Sydney sitting near the top of the AFL ladder and a finals meeting remaining a realistic possibility.
The clubs have already produced memorable clashes over the years, including the 2012 and 2014 AFL Grand Finals, while Hawthorn claimed a 17 point victory over the Swans in their only meeting so far this season.
