Dedication and determination are the two traits that spring to Donna Cole's mind when she thinks about her son, Tom.
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They're the traits that allowed a 15-year-old Tom to go from promising junior basketballer to AFL draftee with the West Coast Eagles in the space of three years.
They're the same traits that have guided Tom through the toughest year of his life.
In March this year, Tom's father, Russell, passed away after a battle with liver and bowel cancer.
At just 21, Tom had to mentally and physically cope with the death of his father, support his mother and three sisters in their grieving process and deal with the pressure of playing in the AFL.
In the face of adversity, Tom flourished.
"This year has been a trying year for him, but true to his nature he's extremely determined,'' Donna Cole said this week.
"Proud doesn't cover what I feel... I think it's truly amazing what he's done this year."
Inspired by his family, Tom forced his way into the West Coast Eagles side in round five and has played every game since.
He'll play a key role in defence for the Eagles in Saturday's AFL grand final against Collingwood.
"It only seems like yesterday that Tommy was playing for St Francis of the Fields (in the BJFL under-12s),'' Donna said.
"It doesn't feel very real. The reality of the grand final probably won't hit home until we get to the ground on Saturday."
Watching her son play football at the MCG on the last Saturday of September is not something Donna gave any thought to when Tom was growing up.
"Truth be known I never thought Tommy would be an AFL footballer,'' Donna admitted.
"His passion up until under-16s was basketball. He was a very good basketballer.
"He's that determined and dedicated and once he sets his goal he puts everything into it.
"From the age of 15 he set up his own gym at home, got himself up at 6am every morning to train and had his own regime that he stuck to for three years until he was drafted."
Tom playerd junior footy with St Francis of the Fields and Strathfieldsaye before crossing to Sandhurst and earning selection with the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup.
He represented Victoria Country at the national championships, was part of Sandhurst's senior side in its 2014 BFNL grand final loss to Strathfieldsaye and played VFL for Geelong.
There were few doubts that Tom was going to get drafted, it was just a matter of which AFL club.
Geelong had shown interest, but it was the West Coast who pounced with selection 36 of the 2015 AFL National Draft.
"As hard as it was him moving interstate, I think it's worked out really well,'' Donna said.
"The club is fabulous and he has a great group of boys there.
"They're a very low-key group, but they're so tight knit and such good mates.
"All the boys Tommy is playing with are his best mates.
"West Coast have been criticised for things that have happened in the past, but they've certainly learned from their mistakes."
Donna has kept her distance from Tom during the finals series.
"I only went across (to Perth) for one final because I don't like to distract him,'' Donna said.
"I won't have much contact with him until after the game, apart from my stock standard message that I send him.
"I just want him to stay on task. He doesn't need me distracting him.
"Last weekend in Perth I just wanted him to stick to his normal routine. It's how he's done it all year.
"We'll have about 13 family and friends at the game on Saturday. We're looking forward to it."
Tom spent time on Jordan De Goey in the qualifying final win three weeks ago and there's every chance he'll line-up on the Collingwood star at the first bounce on Saturday.
There's been plenty of hype surrounding De Goey's match-winning ability, but, according to Donna, that won't worry Tom.
"Tommy's a no-fuss person. If you give him a task he'll do it to the best of his ability."
Tom won't have to look far for inspiration on Saturday.
On his right wrist is a tatoo of the number 66 - his Dad's footy number.
"In the preliminary final (against Melbourne) the final margin was 66 points,'' Donna said.
"I couldn't help but think of Russell. Hopefully, he's up there pulling some strings on Saturday."