Daughter of Carlton legend Alex Jesaulenko marries former Hawk Trent Croad

Footy icon Alex Jesaulenko watched his beloved daughter Kate marry former Hawks star Trent Croad in emotional scenes on Saturday as the 79-year-old battles Parkinson’s disease.

Former Carlton great Alex Jesaulenko with his daughter Kate at her wedding to former Hawk Trent Croad. Picture: Mark Stewart

With a touching kiss and a smile, footy icon Alex Jesaulenko has watched his beloved daughter Kate marry former AFL star Trent Croad.

In emotional scenes on Saturday, Jesaulenko – who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease – made it to the ceremony at Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club months shy of his 80th birthday.

“My dad’s my hero and always has been,’’ Kate said.

“To have him here seeing me marry the love of my life means the world.

“My mum not being here is the biggest thing. She was a Hawks supporter and I am sure mum sent Trent to me.”

The happy couple tied the knot on their seventh anniversary. Picture: Mark Stewart

Kate Jesaulenko and Trent Croad walk down the aisle at Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club. Picture: Mark Stewart

Kate and Trent tied the knot on their seventh anniversary, with their children forming the bridal party.

With only 50 guests at the intimate ceremony, Kate said it was all about family.

Jesaulenko, who was flanked by his great mate and former teammate Jimmy Buckley, has battled the disease since 2022.

His wife Annie passed away 12 and a half years ago after a battle with cancer.

“I’m wearing one of my mother’s rings,’’ Kate said.

Jesaulenko embraces his daughter at the Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club. Picture: Mark Stewart

Trent Croad with father of the bride. Picture: Mark Stewart

Kate has two sons, Luca, 14, and Alessio, 12, from a previous marriage, who stood beside her while Croad’s daughters from a previous marriage, Kiera, 17, and Sierra, 15, were by his side.

Croad, a former key position star, played 222 games for Hawthorn and Fremantle, including the 2008 Hawks premiership.

Only 50 guests attended the intimate celebration. Picture: Mark Stewart

The newlyweds with their children — Kate with sons Luca and Alessio — and Trent with daughters Kiera and Sierra. Picture: Mark Stewart

Their wedding MC and best man was his former Hawks teammate Brent Guerra.

“The first thing Alex said to me was ‘right son, the bins go out on Tuesday and utensils go in draw three’, so I’ve learned,’’ Croad said.

“It’s amazing to have everyone together and my family beside me too.”

The happy couple, who got engaged on New Year’s Eve six years ago, walked down the aisle to Shania Twain’s ‘You’re Still the One’ and they will honeymoon in Vietnam in September.

Jesaulenko before the 2008 grand final.

“Jezza” 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.

He played 256 games for Carlton and 23 games for St Kilda, including four premierships – 1968, 1970, 1972 and 1979 – and became the 22nd legend of the AFL Hall of Fame in 2008.

Jesaulenko taking his famous mark over Graham Jenkins in the 1970 grand final. Picture: Clive Mackinnon

In January 2022, the Herald Sun revealed Jesaulenko was fighting the neurodegenerative disorder Parkinson’s disease.

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

Currently, there is no cure.

Kate and her sister Sally have since raised funds and awareness for the disease.

In March 2022, nearly 2000 people converged on Federation Square for ‘A Walk in the Park’ for Fight Parkinson’s.