Nick Scully recounts a poignant experience of unexpected support from a Melbourne football club following the death of his wife from breast cancer. Scully and his family had moved from Melbourne to central Queensland after his son played two seasons for St Mary’s Greensborough, a local football team. Several years later, after his wife was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer and passed away in 2015, the family was left to navigate the aftermath of their loss.

In the midst of their grieving process, Scully and his children received an unanticipated gesture from St Mary’s Greensborough. The club sent a package to Scully’s son containing a team jersey with the family surname printed on the back, accompanied by a note expressing condolences: “Thinking of you after the loss of your mum.” Scully expressed surprise at the club’s effort, noting that his son had only played two seasons there and that it was unclear how the club had obtained their updated address.

Scully highlighted the significance of such a gesture coming from what he described as a “male-dominated institution,” especially given his previous frustrations with sexism within footy clubs and the Australian Football League (AFL). He acknowledged that while the sports community has faced criticism for its culture, episodes like this demonstrate moments of genuine care and humanity.

The family had received substantial support during the illness and after the death of Scully’s wife, but this unexpected outreach stood out as a meaningful act of kindness that left a lasting impression. Reflecting on his wife’s pragmatic approach to life and death, Scully noted how the family has gradually moved forward but still holds on to the memory of the club’s gesture. He concluded that while football clubs are not without fault, St Mary’s Greensborough’s actions exemplify efforts to foster compassion within sporting communities.