Tom Green’s mum explains the feeling of knowing her son will debut with no family at the ground
Tom Green’s mum couldn’t be prouder of her son, who will make his debut for GWS this week. She explains the rollercoaster of emotions after finding out the news and knowing she won’t be there to see it.
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Even before Tom Green kicks a ball in the AFL, the GWS debutant’s mother is well acquainted with the highs and lows of the game.
Tears of joy and sadness fell the moment Green shared the news as Melanie Green celebrated her son fulfilling his lifelong dream and at the same time felt the other emotional extreme of realising she will be locked out of being there in the stands for him.
Upon finding out he is set to make his debut against Geelong at Giants Stadium on Saturday in a potential match-up with Patrick Dangerfield, the 19-year-old’s first phone call was to mum.
“I did have a few teary moments thinking (I won’t be there to see it), but it’s a first-world problem really,” Melanie Green said.
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“You’ve got to keep it in perspective about what it is. And yes, I’m a bit sad we can’t see him in person, but my overriding emotion is I hope they play because they all train so hard.
“I was in between patients (working as a podiatrist), and it was like, ‘oh my god, trying to calm myself down. I was really excited, really excited and happy, was the main thing for him. But it’s very emotional in lots of regards, I suppose.”
Green is the grandson of Richmond Tigers legend Michael Green, a devoted mentor, and one of a horde of family members from Melbourne who also would have made the trip north to Sydney if not for the pandemic.
An uncle from the US was hoping to fly over before the global lockdown.
Green’s father travelled around with his army work but the family has settled in Canberra and Green has been part of the Giants’ academy since he was 12.
He is the eldest of three brothers. Two of them are now in the academy themselves, and the youngest suffered the first coronavirus-forced heartbreak in the footy-mad family.
“Our little 10-year-old was all ready to go to his first big camp on Monday morning and at 10 to eight we got an email from the school saying it was cancelled,” Melanie said.
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“He was devastated. It affects everyone in some shape or form.”
Green says he’s not been affected by the uncertainty.
“I’m just pumped. It’s not really a tough position to be in really,” Green said. “I’m just really fortunate to have been given that opportunity.”