It’s fitting that Fremantle defender Alex Pearce plays his 50th AFL game on Mothers’ Day in Fremantle’s clash with Richmond at Optus Stadium.
On Mothers’ Day in 2015, Pearce made his debut with his proud mum Karen watching on in the stands.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, Pearce penned his thoughts on why reaching the 50-game mark is far from an individual achievement.
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I don’t think I would be the first football player to try and downplay the significance of a 50-game milestone.
It’s a good one to tick off, as you’ve got to get to 50 before you get to 100, or 200.
It’s obviously taken me a bit longer than what I would have liked but hopefully, the next 50 games come around a bit quicker.
When I think about it, reaching 50 games could mean quite a lot more to those who have had an impact on my football career and my life up to this point.
Mum has been quick to remind me that my debut game was also on Mothers’ Day, and I’m glad she’ll be making her way over again for my 50th.
With my family in Tasmania, there’s an obvious distance barrier between us, but Mum watches my games religiously. Since I only see her a couple of times a year, she’s still able to see me on TV and speak to me afterwards.
As little of a connection that may seem, I think that’s pretty important for her, and for me, to know that she cares that much. She lets me know that I’ve got a lot of family and friends back home that care a lot and support me regardless, no matter how the game goes.
Even from my 49 games to date, I’ve quickly realised that you’ve got to find different ways to get motivation for each game.
For some games, it’s harder than others. If I’m not feeling as up and about for a game, I like to think about who’s watching back home and how much they care, Mum in particular, and that is always a huge motivating factor for me.
We always message after games, even when it’s quite late back in Tassie. It’s great just knowing that she’s watching and she’s happy, that’s the main thing.
The day after games we would talk about other stuff rather than how things are going on the footy field. I try not to talk too much football with her, Mum knows her soccer but she was never a big football fan and she doesn’t know a great deal!
That said, I think she’s played a big role in influencing how I play the game.
From when I was about five years old, I remember watching her play soccer. I remember noticing how competitive she was and how much she wanted to win.
As silly as that might sound, I think that has played a big part in how I’m so hungry to win and be the best I can be.
When I broke my leg, it was obviously tough not being able to play football and do what I loved.
If there was one positive to take out of the experience, it was that I did get to spend some time back at home.
Because Mum is a nurse, she was able to take care of me when I needed antibiotics for a leg infection.
It was definitely good to be able to get home and reconnect, and I’m grateful that Mum was able to help me through that time.
These moments remind me that no matter where I am or she is, I know I’m supported and I’m loved and that I’ve always got someone who is so strong in my corner to help me through whatever challenges I have in life.
So I’d like to thank both Mum and Dad for always being there, always supporting me and my sister Georgia, regardless of what we’re doing.
It’s something that you can take for granted growing up, but now I’ve gotten older and moved away, that unwavering support is what is helping me be the strong and resilient person that I want to be. I think that is what will help me keep growing as a person as I get older.
