Adelaide Crows star’s family tragedy leads to new role as Bedford Ambassador

Adelaide Crows star Tom Doedee was only 11 when his brother Harley lost both feet in a horrific car accident but the life-changing event has inspired the young defender to take on a new role.

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Crows’ star Tom Doedee was only 11 when his brother Harley lost both feet in a horrific car accident almost a decade ago.

The incident devastated the now-key defender, who feared his athletic older brother would not be able to play any form of sport.

But with assistance from a disability care provider, Harley, and the Doedee family, found a new way to stay competitive.

“Harley decided to take up wheelchair basketball,” says Doedee, who finished second in last year’s AFL Rising Star award.

“So me and my two brothers, as well as some family and friends, decided to join him and make up a team.

“We actually got super-competitive and sometimes rammed into each other when one of us stuffed up.”

The insight into the needs of those with disabilities has led the 21 year-old to pledge his support as a Bedford Ambassador.

Adelaide Crows star defender and new Bedford Ambassador Tom Doedee with Bedford employee Jarred Henneker.

The not-for-profit, Panorama-based Bedford looks to change the lives of more than 1500 people with disability by building independence, promoting wellbeing and via support services such as employment opportunities.

“It (Bedford) is an incredible place with incredible people doing incredible things … and you feel like everyone’s got a purpose,” says Doedee, who has signed a two-year extension with the Adelaide Football Club after playing 20 games last year.

“When I visited the Panorama site, it was nice to see so many people come up and talk to me.

“But it didn’t last long because the next thing I know they were saying ‘sorry, I’ve got to get back to work!’.”

Bedford employees Lauren Packham and Cameron Richards with Gregg Harris, from NAB, packing showbags ahead of last year’s Royal Adelaide Show. Picture: AAP/MIKE BURTON

Harley spent months in intensive care at The Alfred hospital in Melbourne after the ute he was learning to drive in spun out of control on a gravel road near his home town of Geelong.

The vehicle exploded and caught fire, leaving Harley with third-degree burns, damage to his voicebox and leading to the amputation of both feet.

Tom Doedee in action for the Crows. Picture: Sarah Reed

Doedee says his brother’s accident brought a greater focus and determination to his own life.

“It made me realise that I’m lucky to be able to run around every night and it definitely pushed me to succeed,” he says.

“He (Harley) loves his footy and he’ll call me after a game or fly or drive over for a game and just say how proud he is of me.”

He says the experience has brought the family even closer.

“It’s made us all better people,” he says.

“Now I think ‘wow, this life is short, we’ve got to appreciate what we’ve got’.”