Profile of North coach Jaymie Graham highlights personal family history

The pair’s relationship has been challenged, but Graham is sure he would never have been able to take on so much without his bright, strongwilled partner, and Kasey is amazed by what, at such a young age, Jaymie has had to do. “He was 19 years old and writing emails trying to get his little sister back,” she said. “He was doing things that not many 19-year-olds find themselves doing. He’s a bit of a clam, and that was a problem. I talk, and he keeps it all to himself. But it’s incredible what he’s done. Football’s stressful enough, but he’s had all these issues going on outside it. And he just dealt with it. He knew what he needed to do.”

Candy has her own “full-time” bedroom now, and a nephew to play with.

Hudson was born on her birthday, which, said Graham, “got her nose a bit out of joint. But she’s just a very happy little person.”

He has enjoyed watching the other kids live their new lives too; he collected them from the Perth airport when they moved over from Sydney five years ago, and can remember how unhealthy they looked, how bad their teeth were. They were also used to looking out for each other, with five-year-old Jimmee running the show.

“You’d give one of them an ice-cream, and all four of them would share it. They were so used to watching over each other,” Graham said. “Now they’re all spoiled; they all want their own!”

Each has experienced some learning difficulties, but they’re nice and settled too. In October, everyone packed up and went to Thailand on holiday together. Recently, Jimmee was made a member of his school’s student council. “That was a big day,” Graham smiled. “I look at him and that was me, in a way. It’s really hard to think back, and imagine that. We both had to grow up quickly.”

Graham started his new job late last month; he’s getting used to a whole new routine. He’ll play for South Fremantle next year, but is not missing those long, hot summer training sessions. When he thinks about his career, the first thing that jumps into his head is how he was cut from the 2006 team, two days before the grand final, after playing in every single game for the year. “I was this close to playing in a premiership, but I didn’t,” he said. “I think that’s when I realised, this is a game where you can put in so much work and still not get anything for it.”

Still, he feels satisfied.

He played 37 games, and not everyone gets to do that. “I don’t regret anything. I did all that I could and I don’t regret the decision I’ve made now,” he said.

“It’s time to find something new. It’s not all because of the kids, but obviously they’re a priority now. I’m really looking forward to watching them all grow up.”

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