When Cheryl Doedee isn’t driving seven hours to Adelaide to watch her son Tom playing for the Crows each week, she is busy making blankets for his teammates’ young kids.
It’s why Doedee believes she is the “ultimate footy mum”.
“When I got drafted over here (to SA) I played two years of SANFL and I think they (mum Cheryl and dad Steve) maybe missed two SANFL games out of about 35 or so,” Doedee said.
“Then when I got to AFL level, now it’s become sort of their community and something they really enjoy.
“I still think they’re a bit insane, a bit crazy, but I am very appreciative of their commitment.”
Doedee and Cheryl spoke to AFC Media about the bond they share ahead of the Crows’ clash with St Kilda at Adelaide Oval this Sunday, on Mother’s Day.
“You don’t know how long his career is going to last, so we just make the most of it,” Cheryl said.
“You ride every bump, every hurdle with Tom and I still take a deep breath every time he goes up for a spoil.
“But we get to know all the other boys and their parents, so you cheer for the whole team, they’re all lovely guys and it’s like one big family.”
Between working as a kindergarten assistant and travelling back and forth for Doedee’s games, there’s a little hobby that Cheryl loves to make time for - crocheting.
It’s something that has made the doting mother somewhat famous amongst the players and their own families.
“She loves crocheting blankets for people who have kids and it’s become a thing that she does purely out of the goodness of her heart,” Doedee said.
“Wayne Milera tells a story that when Carter (Milera’s son) is asleep, that’s the only time they can wash the blanket because if they take it away when he’s awake, he starts crying.
“She just wants people to have the warmth of a blanket around when they need it, that’s who she is, she’s just a good egg.”
Cheryl said she had been crocheting blankets for a long time but once Doedee’s teammates started having children, thought it would be a nice gift to give them.
“It started when I got to hold Eddie Betts’ twins and I thought how could I not do a blanket for Alice and Maggie,” Cheryl said.
“Then I did them for their siblings as well, and once I started for one, I started for everyone.
“I think I’ve crocheted 30 blankets over the eight years Tom’s been at the Crows… It’s just comforting for the kids and it’s something I love to do.
“I made a beautiful mint one for Carter (Milera’s son) and I just know they get so much enjoyment out of it, so that’s why I love making them for them.”
Cheryl has given all her three sons plenty of advice but there’s a simple message she has for them.
“I’m proud of all three of my boys,” Cheryl said.
“I’m proud of Tom for all his football achievements, but most of all for how he’s always been down to earth and always kind to everyone.
“I just want my boys to be happy and healthy.”
And Doedee said he couldn’t be more grateful for his mother’s love and support.
“Thanks for raising us three boys - me and my two brothers - as good people, but also good people who give back to other people,” Doedee says.
“She’s always taught us that if you do good for other people, eventually good will come back to you and it will make you feel better as a human.
“That’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
Cheryl, together with other players’ mums will be watching the game against the Saints from Hilux Hill, thanks to Adelaide’s Major Partner, Toyota.
Doedee was hopeful the Crows could notch a win for all the mums.
“Win, lose, or draw, my Mum’s the same,” Doedee said.
“Hopefully we can get a win and having all the mums in the rooms after will be a good atmosphere.”
Adelaide takes on St Kilda at Adelaide Oval this Sunday from 12.40pm
Buy a General Admission ticket to Round Nine and get one free.
To treat your Crows mum with tickets to see the Crows take on the Saints click here.
