Flemings delight in Hawks AFLW draft pick

Best known for their cricket connection, Damien and Jasmine Fleming’s favourite shared sporting moments came in the stands watching Hawthorn.

Now, former Test cricketer Damien is eyeing a life in the stands watching Jasmine, the AFLW No.2 draft pick, flourish for their family club.

The Hawks pounced on the speedy, classy midfielder at Wednesday night’s draft, much to the delight of father and daughter.

“I’ve been dreaming of it my whole life and for it finally to happen, to hear my name called out, it’s really surreal,” Jasmine told reporters.

“He (Damien) was pretty pumped when he heard my name called out. The whole family, we’re all mad Hawks supporters.

“It’s just extra special that I’ve ended up in the brown and gold.”

The family attended two out of three grand finals in Hawthorn’s AFL three-peat from 2013-2015, with one player at the start of the dynasty a standout for a young Jasmine.

“Probably Buddy (Franklin was the main one). I remember watching his goals from 50m out on the left foot – I’d recreate them on the right,” she said.

Jasmine was a talented junior cricketer and played both sports before turning her focus fully to footy.

Damien admitted the August timing of the AFLW season start had played a role in Jasmine’s decision to opt for footy over cricket, but was happy to see her thrive in her preferred code.

“Just absolutely thrilled. Jas gave up footy cos there was no footy (in her early teens),” he said.

“It was cricket and basketball and (she’s) come back because of where the AFLW had started and you see where it is now.”

Jasmine’s mother Wendy was a talented netballer, while her aunt Shelley O’Donnell played for Australia.

She has always worn the No.10 after her uncle, former Essendon skipper Gary O’Donnell.

Even her father’s high profile doesn’t affect the level-headed teenager.

“He picks and chooses his times (to give advice), I think,” she said.

“He’s always really down to earth and he’s never put any pressure on me in any of the sports I played, and that’s been the main thing that’s kept me in sport.

“Even at this point … he just lets me be me.”

Damien plans to be one of the most vocal fans in the crowd and let his own reputation fade into the shadows.

“Really, you just want them to stake their own claim,” he said.

“But (I’m) very happy from now on to be known as Jasmine’s father.”