Alex Jesaulenko in good spirits for daughter’s birthday despite Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

Carlton legend Alex ‘Jezza’ Jesaulenko has been seen for the first time in more than a year following his devastating Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.

Footy legend Alex Jesaulenko has been seen for the first time in more than a year following his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.

The former Carlton high-flyer was in good spirits as he stepped out to celebrate daughter Kate’s birthday on Wednesday night.

Jesaulenko, 77, a footy icon nicknamed “Jezza”, had dinner with Kate, her partner, former Hawks star Trent Croad, his beloved Blues teammate Jimmy Buckley and friend Tony Hachem.

Jimmy Buckley, Trent Croad, Tony Hachem and Kate Jesaulenko with Alex Jesaulenko (bottom).

“Alex hugged me and grabbed my hand. It was a real honour,’’ Hachem said.

In March last year, Jesaulenko’s health battle inspired the event, A Walk in the Park, to raise awareness and funds for Fight Parkinson’s.

Kate, who was an ambassador, said her dad had been blown away by the support with nearly 2,000 people converging on Federation Square.

“Dad and the family have been completely overwhelmed with the support from not only the Carlton Football Club but football supporters and people suffering from Parkinson’s,’’ Kate said at the time.

Kate Jesaulenko and Alex Jesaulenko’s former Carlton teammates Jimmy Buckley and Wayne Harmes before the Walk in the Park in March last year. Picture: David Crosling

Jesaulenko was immortalised after commentator Mike Williamson’s famous “Jesaulenko, you beauty” remark, when he soared above Graeme Jenkin in the 1970 grand final between Carlton and Collingwood.

Jesaulenko played 256 games for Carlton and 23 games for St Kilda.

He played in four premierships – 1968, 1970, 1972 and 1979 – and became the 22nd Legend of the AFL Hall of Fame in 2008.

Parkinson’s is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement, often including tremors.