Unley Jets young gun win six football flags in six seasons

ROSSLYN Park’s Patrick Fahey has collected six football premierships in as many seasons while being motivated by a childhood tragedy.

ROSSLYN Park’s Patrick Fahey has collected six football premierships in as many seasons while being motivated by a childhood tragedy.

Patrick was three when his mum, Lisa, died of kidney cancer.

Thirteen years on, the Unley Jets midfielder has won flags in every age group from under-11s to under-16s.

He takes his mum’s memory with him each time he steps onto the field.

“It definitely drives me with my football,” Patrick says.

“Every time I run out on the ground, I pick up the grass, give it a little kiss and point to the sky.

“I hadn’t really done anything during my football career so I thought it’d be a fitting gesture.

“I’ve been living without a mum but dad’s really stepped up, taking care of two kids and running his (insurance broking) business.”

The St Peter’s College Year 10 student hangs all six of his premiership medals on his bedroom door knob.

“It makes a bit of rattling at night.

“It’s a good thing to wake up to every morning.”

Fahey won his first five premierships with Walkerville before joining Unley this season.

The Jets beat PHOS Camden by 54 points in the Metro South Junior Football Association’s under-16 grand final at Goodwood Oval on September 13.

“I’m really privileged to play with really good teams for six years.

“My coaches at Walkerville and Unley, Warren Slee, David Chapman and Shane Radbone, have really been great.”

Fahey also lines up for Saints’ First XVIII and Norwood’s under-16s. The Crows supporter’s goal is to play in the SANFL or AFL.