Harry Dear’s family history is painted brown and gold but the new Crow wants to add some extra colours.
The 197cm key forward is the son of former Hawthorn star Paul Dear, best known for winning the Norm Smith Medal as best afield in the 1991 AFL grand final.
And his uncle, Greg Dear, played in three premierships in 137 games with the Hawks.
But when Hawthorn failed to nominate the 18-year-old for father-son bidding, Harry’s AFL ambitions widened. He watched the national draft coverage from his Beaumaris family home eager for any opportunity.
“When my name was called (at pick 58) I was just stoked, the house went nuts,” said Harry, who was aware of some interest from the Crows.
“It feels like winning a lottery.
“I wasn’t expecting anything really. I had no expectations, I thought I would be more of a rookie chance than anything else.
“I’m absolutely stoked, I just can’t wait to get over to Adelaide, really, and get started.”
As for dad, who played the last of his 123 games for Hawthorn in 1996, the year Harry was born: “He gave me a big hug, he was close to tears, he was that happy. I reckon the Crows will suit him.”
Harry kicked 18 goals in nine games for Sandringham Dragons this year and also represented Vic Metro in three games in the U18 national championships before having a shoulder reconstruction in August.
“The shoulder is going well, I’m now able to do strength work, it will be fine,” said Harry, who prefers to play forward but has also spent time in the ruck through his junior years.
Crows recruiting manager Hamish Ogilvie said Dear’s size and pedigree were impossible to ignore.
“Harry Dear is an elite big player at 197cm … you just don’t see those players very often,” he said.
“He’s had some injury issues, but he’s a good kid and a hard worker. At that size, we were happy to go that way.
“It’s not bad breeding when you have a dad and uncle who both play in premierships, and dad wins a Norm Smith. It’s pretty handy.”