Emotions high as Eastwood skipper Hugh Perrett wins Ken Catchpole Medal following mother's death

EVEN rival captain Tim Davidson concedes that if he had to lose any grand final, it would be this one, against his close mate Hugh Perrett.

Hugh Perrett

EVEN rival captain Tim Davidson concedes that if he had to lose any grand final, it would be this one, against his close mate Hugh Perrett.

In the week he had to bury his mother, Eastwood skipper Perrett on Friday claimed the most emotionally-charged Ken Catchpole Medal win.

Perrett won by two points, against Davidson, the Sydney University captain he faces this afternoon for the 2013 Shute Shield premiership.

"It's the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows," Perrett said after becoming the 32nd player to claim the medal since its inception in 1981.

"It has been a rollercoaster.

"I've had really good support from family and friends, the Eastwood community has helped me get through."

Perrett was by his mother Joanne's side when she passed last Thursday week, led his side to victory in the semi-final on Sunday, attended her funeral on Tuesday, led his side in their final training session on Thursday, claimed the medal on Friday, and will lead his side into battle at Concord Oval on Saturday afternoon.

Davidson, who is retiring after the match and wants his own fairytale finish, conceded it would be easier to accept grand final defeat to his former classmate should Eastwood spring an upset win, given the circumstances.

"I guess it does, I've got a tremendous amount of respect for the way he's conducted himself, not knowing remotely what he's going through," said Davidson, who came through with Perrett in the Kings' class of 2000.

"The ability to lift himself off the canvas and not only play, but lead his team to victory against a pretty good Manly side, and dominate, that shows the stuff of tremendous character.

"I've always respected him as a player, and I don't know what he's going through, but the way he's conducted himself just confirms everything I already knew.

"When something like that happens, rugby is miniscule.

"You put rugby to one side, you forget about what's happening tomorrow and you think about him as a friend.

"That's far more important than the game, being there and making sure he's OK, that is far more important than the result tomorrow."

Perrett has shown incredible resolve in the past 10 days by compartmentalising the different aspects of his life, so that he was not been overwhelmed by his grief.

"Rugby is something I love doing, and it's a good distraction, being with the boys and my god mates and my family being there to support me, but in terms of motivation I couldn't compare," Perrett said.

"You'd give anything to get back your parents.

"That's no motivation for winning, but I'd like to do it for my own reasons as well.

"Eastwood is a great club, probably the greatest support in rugby in Sydney.

"People are constantly messaging and obviously at the game last Sunday, I really feel the love and it's something that gets you through.

"When you feel down, it's people that pick you up."

Of his mother, Perrett said: "She was a lover of rugby, but more than that she was a supporter of myself and my brother.

"She liked to see us achieve on the field, but obviously she was more impressed by the things you do in life, kids and work and that sort of thing.

"She loves the Woodies and she'd love for us to take it out tomorrow.

"She was a lovely woman, she cared, she loved cooking and serving others, that's who she was and how she expressed her love for others.

"We don't have that anymore.

"Mum will be sorely missed, but I've got some great memories of Mum.

"It's been a tough week, but I've been able to reflect on that."

Perrett has even been able to consider the predicament of his great friend and rival, with Davidson bowing out after a phenomenal record of seven premierships in the last eight years.

"Sydney Uni will be losing someone with great leadership qualities and humility," Perrett said.

"He's a big loss for them, he is a great bloke and a good friend of mine.

"I've enjoyed playing with him, and playing against him he's a great competitor.

"He brings the best out of his team because he is such a great leader.

"You can tell they are a better team with him."