Tom Scully says father-in-law Gavin Robertson’s battle with brain tumour puts his previous injury woes in perspective

New Hawk Tom Scully and wife Zoe made the move from GWS back to Melbourne over the summer, but have since been rocked by the shock brain tumour her father, former Test spinner Gavin Robertson’s has been diagnosed with.

Tom Scully and wife Zoe have been rocked by the cancer diagnosis of her father, former Australian Test cricketer Gavin Robertson.

Hawthorn star Tom Scully says his injury battles have been put in perspective by his father-in-law Gavin Robertson’s fight for life.

Former Test off-spinner Robertson was diagnosed in May with a brain tumour that required immediate surgery.

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He was one of the first employees at Greater Western Sydney and Scully met his daughter, Zoe, when he played for the Giants.

Scully told the Herald Sun his injuries and battle to overcome a long-term ankle injury had been put into perspective by Robertson’s plight.

“It’s been something going along off the field. It’s been a tough time for my wife in particular,” he said.

Tom Scully has enjoyed a new lease on life at Hawthorn. Picture: Michael Klein

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“I guess having family in Sydney is difficult but it’s one of those things in life that’s a challenge and he has got great support around him. We have got a really close relationship.”

Robertson played four Tests for Australia and the former off-spinner and member of cricket rock band Six & Out was a regular panellist on Fox Sports panel show Bill and Boz.

“He is a really well-respected staff member at the Giants but not only that, it’s all the work he has done in his cricket career and in his media career as well,” Scully said.

“Football is just a game when it comes down to it.

“You are healthy and then you have an illness so serious and it really does put someone’s life into perspective.

“He just has to make every moment count.”

Robertson, pictured in his Australian cricket blazer in 1994, with daughter Zoe, then nine months.

Robertson bags a wicket during Australia’s tour of India in 1998.

Gavin Robertson speaks with injured Giant Callan Ward. Picture: Phil Hillyard

As the Hawks continue to surge for an unlikely finals position, Scully admits he is stunned how much football he has been able to play this year.

He is now pain-free as long as he commits to a managed plan.

After being struck down by a career-threatening ankle injury the hard-running midfielder committed to a managed plan and is now pain free.

“For me this year is a big stepping stone in the back half of my career and I am just trying to consolidate myself as a Hawthorn player,” he said.

“Every week I am learning new things of my teammates and what is expected of me.

“I would be lying if I said I had thought of finals. It is a bonus that I am even playing.

“I probably didn’t think I would be playing but I have only missed the one game. If I can string together the next five games and potentially finals, who knows?

“I don’t go into games thinking about (my ankle). I have had to modify the way I train.

“The medicos and fitness staff have stuck to the plan right from the start and it seems to be working quite well.

“If we can get through the rest of the year, I am only going to be better for it.”