Special moment: Sophie Locke celebrates kicking Hawthorn’s first AFLW goal on what was an emotionally-charged night for her and her family. Photo: Michael Willson/AFL Photos.
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Michael Willson
The story behind Hawthorn’s first AFLW goal will forever be linked to Seymour and one of its most beloved families.
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Sophie Locke — who was selected as one of the Hawks’ foundation AFLW players in April — made her long awaited professional debut on Saturday night against Essendon in what was a landmark night for women’s football.
A large convoy from Seymour and its surrounds made the journey to see Locke make her first appearance and celebrate what was the culmination of many years of hard work.
But sadly there was one vital person missing in the crowd.
Locke’s mother Sarah lost her battle with cancer a fortnight ago, with the sporting community of the proud sporting town going into mourning as it remembered one of its most prominent figures.
As her husband Stuart so eloquently said, Sarah’s legacy lives on in her daughters Sophie and Chloe (who is also a budding footballer with Port Melbourne), making the history-making match on Saturday night an incredibly emotional one.
On the big stage: Seymour’s Sophie Locke attacks the ball during her AFLW debut against Essendon on Saturday night. Photo: AAP/Joel Carrett
Sitting inside Marvel Stadium with a large contingent of Seymour people surrounding him, Stuart recounted what was an extraordinary night for him and his family.
“It was all pretty nerve-racking. When you play your first game at an elite level, a lot of things can go wrong, and to have 12 debutants in one team you can’t expect for everything to go beautifully,” he said.
“We didn’t know what was going to happen and everyone was so keen for her to do well, so to see her get a few kicks and have a lot of fun out there, it brought so much joy to all her family and friends watching on.
“The night would have to be the highlight of my life. You don’t get a daughter play in the AFLW every day, and to see her live her dream, it was incredible.”
Forming part of a brave young Hawthorn outfit that fell by 26 points in a competitive contest against a far more experienced Essendon side, Locke was a valuable contributor, racking up 10 disposals and laying five tackles.
But for the 21-year-old and her family and friends watching on, one moment in the first quarter will forever be etched in the memory bank.
With the Hawks pressing hard after coughing up the first two goals, Locke was awarded a free kick deep inside the forward 50, gifting the Seymour player a chance to kick the club’s first goal on the AFLW stage.
Situated 20m out on a slight angle, she soaked up the moment and delivered for her team, kissing a black armband and looking to the heavens as she etched her name into history.
Stuart recalled the magical moment and the emotions that followed.
“That first goal, it was just more than you could hope for,” he said.
“We were at the other end of the ground and I wasn’t even sure it was her that got the free kick, because there are a few girls in the team that look similar, so it wasn’t until there was a roar from the Seymour faithful I worked out it was her.
“I knew she would love to get it for her mum. There was no other reason than that, she just wanted to get that goal and dedicate that first ever Hawthorn goal to her mum.”
Awash with jubilation following the history-making goal, Stuart admitted the moment was bittersweet due to the absence of Sarah cheering on beside him.
“It was awesome that she did it (kicked the goal), but I had a bit of a moment thinking that Sarah isn’t here to see this,” he said.
“That is disappointing, but it is better that it happen and she’s not there, than it not happen at all.
“Sophie can now call herself an AFLW player, which is very special, and her mother certainly had a massive part to play in making it happen.”
Sophie wasn’t the only Locke to deliver a heart-warming sporting tribute to her late mother, with sister Chloe also paying tribute in a special way at Kings Park a fortnight ago.
Against doctor’s orders, Chloe took to the netball court against Tatura on a day when the club honoured her mother’s memory.
Special day: Sophie, Stuart and Chloe Locke hold up Sarah's old netball dress at Seymour's home game against Tatura a fortnight ago. Photo: Karen Wright
And what made the occasion so special was that she assumed the goal shooter position, one Sarah made so famous during her career at Seymour.
“I’ve got to be honest, the doctor wasn’t so keen on Chloe playing because she’s been in a moon boot for eight weeks,” Stuart said.
“But she was never going to not play. She told me that she was definitely playing and that’s that, so she ended being in defence for a quarter before moving into goal shooter where her mum played.
“That whole day at the club was so special, and to see Chloe honour her mum in that way was incredible.”
Despite all the incredible things Sarah did for her community, her number one accomplishment will always be her two girls.
Stuart said he hoped everybody would see a little bit of Sarah as Sophie and Chloe continued to rise through the sporting ranks.
“Anyone who knew Sarah knows that what they see in Sophie and Chloe pretty directly comes from her,” he said.
“Their goal shooting, their goal kicking, their speed, along with their attitude and outgoing nature, that all comes from Sarah.
“And that’s the beautiful thing about having kids, you live on in them, and Sarah’s legacy will live on through their achievements.”
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