Today we feature Ryan Crowley and his mum Kerry:
When did you first realise Ryan was going to be a star?
From a very early age I knew Ryan was going to be someone special, because he was always very outgoing and would sometimes prefer adult company to kids his own age. He could hold a captive audience and could hold in depth conversations about anything to do with sport, from football to lawn bowls. When he was in kindergarten, I used to tell everyone, he will be Prime Minister one day. Then he came home from a State of Origin match one night (Victoria versus SA) and he told me that he will play at the MCG one day, he was five years old at the time - and I believed him!
What’s the hardest thing about watching him play footy?
Most definitely the hardest thing is the fact that he is on the other side of the country. I try not to think about any dangers involved in the game, even though Ryan has been injured several times. When I think about the lengths Larry & I used to go to, to make sure we went to every game of football our three boys played and now we just can't physically go - I always wish I was there.
What’s the nicest thing Ryan has done for you?
When Ryan was 15 years old, he got his first job delivering newspapers. It would take him about three hours after school and he would earn $4.05. He worked very hard and saved every cent. For my birthday one year he spent a big part of his savings and surprised me with a beautiful pedestal pot (that he knew I wanted). He was so proud of his surprise and I was so proud of him. These days, every time we go over to Perth to visit, Ryan makes us feel special and makes sure our stay is always a memorable one.
What do you think is Ryan's greatest quality?
Ryan is very generous, hard working, determined and always has a smile on his face. Whether it’s schoolwork or sport of some kind, Ryan was never a natural, he worked hard and would never give up. When Ryan was seven years old he nearly lost his leg because of a tumor and was told he would never play sport. Not once did he let it bother him, and he never gave up on his dream. I am incredibly proud of where he is today, he has worked so hard.
Can you tell us any hidden talents he has?
Ryan is a good cook, could challenge Mark Weber in the Grand Prix and he can remember all the lines out of the movie 'True Lies'.
Crowley’s thoughts on his mum:
What is the best thing about your mum?
Mum and I are very close and the best thing about her is that I'm able to talk to her about anything. Mum knows best, so if I'm ever struggling with anything or having trouble making decision I can always jump on the phone and talk it over with mum.
One thing your mum taught you growing up that has stuck?
Mum (along with dad) taught me the importance of hard work. If there is something you want in life ‘it's not just going to fall in your lap, you have to work hard for it!’.
If your talent is footy - what’s your mum's talent?
Raising three Crowley boys and stopping us from killing each other, that is a talent!
When you go to mums for dinner - what do you always hope she has cooked for you?
Mum is a great cook but the thing I look forward to most is a tad boring. I love mums pasta when I go home because it reminds me of being a kid and having pasta the night before a game.
What is the best present you've ever bought your mum?
It's not really a present but I did take mum to the Brownlow Medal back in 2008. As a kid I had always said that if I got a chance to go I would take her. So when I got an invite in 2008, I did. I know she really enjoyed that.
Read about Chris Mayne and his mum Leanne.
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