“Really special”: Hawthorn bolster Dear legacy with historic draft coup

Coming off of a monumental week for the Dear clan, Hawthorn’s most promising talent Calsher reflected on depth of the week’s events up with Adam White on SEN.

Calsher Dear, who was selected at Pick 56 in the 2023 AFL Draft as a Father-Son pick, was given the opportunity to play at Hawthorn and follow in the footsteps of his late father, Norm Smith medallist and Premiership player, Paul Dear.

Now taking on the ultimate father-son honour, Calsher has dumped the jersey No. 35 and will now don 13, with former All-Australian Dylan Moore handing over the digits worn by his father at the same club.

“I didn’t realise how much it would mean to take Dad’s number until the opportunity came up. Even putting on the training jersey was surreal. Being able to have Dad’s number on my back is something I never thought I’d be doing – it is really special," Calsher said on the topic.

"Following in his footsteps makes me feel so much more connected to him, almost like he’s still around in some ways, which is heartwarming.

"There aren’t many players who can say they wear their old man’s number, and being able to wear it for the rest of my career makes it even more special. Mum was so happy for me, it was quite an emotional moment."

"Becoming a custodian of the number 13, I’m excited to take my turn and pave my own path while wearing it. I don’t see it as pressure to live up to Dad’s legacy, it’s more of a beautiful touch, and I will try to make it my own and do things which will allow me to be remembered as my own player."

Making the week all the more special on Monday night, the Dear legacy gained a new addition, with 21-year-old Maya becoming Hawthorns’ first ever Father-Daughter selection in the 2025 AFLW Draft.

Selected with Pick 57, Hawthorn took a chance on the 176cm utility, who is yet to play a football game at any level across her junior sporting career. Hailing from a background centred around many other sports, notably netball and most recently playing for the Sandringham Sabres in the NBL1, Dear presents as a project player.

“She’s come so far in the last eight months, the ability to be drafted without ever playing a game of footy shows how hard she’s worked at the things she can do,” said Calsher.

“She’s always been a footy nuffy and loved it as much as the rest of us – so now that she’s picked up the football and started her own career its pretty special.

“I taught her how to kick! She worked on it, and now she's got an unbelievable kick. She's taken such a different pathway but it's just as special.”

Calsher is now gearing up to take on the 2026 AFL season with the iconic number, working to expand on his football pedigree.

"We are three and a half weeks into pre-season preparations - and I've had a huge focus on improving my craft and my running. I'm really enjoying it, and hopefully I can come back fitter and stronger next year."

With the siblings now working to become the best footballers they can be, the Son and Daughter will be determined to carry on the Dear legacy on the football field.