Father to Milla and Archie, and husband of Erin, Maxwell joins nine other Australian sporting heroes in being recognised for the contribution they make to their families both on and off the field, with the winner receiving $5000 to donate to the charity of their choice.
Having nominated Make a Wish Foundation – Portland branch as his selected charity, the Black and White faithful are encouraged to vote for Maxwell by visiting www.sportsdads.com.au.
Among the nominees set to challenge Maxwell for the Sports Dad crown include Sydney’s Jude Bolton, Corey Enright of Geelong, 2012 World Surfing Champion Joel Parkinson, Black Caviar’s jockey Luke Nolen and Socceroo legend, and Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
Responding to his nomination, Maxwell took the time to discuss his favourite elements of fatherhood.
How hard is it spending time away from the kids during the season?
The interstate trips are the only hard part but that’s only five times a year. We spend a lot of time on Skype and also sending each other video messages. I had surgery over the pre-season so I didn’t go to Utah with the boys on training camp - 3 weeks would have been too hard! – Nick
Are you always mindful of setting a good example for them?
Absolutely. Sometimes it’s hard to have to do the disciplining but you know that it is required. Milla and I have a great relationship where, even at her age, we can talk through right and wrongs and get to the right answer! – Nick
Does Milla take an active interest in your career?
She does. When I have a Collingwood shirt on, she says: ‘You going to footy dad?’ She also comes to our pre game dinner (the night before the game) when I have dinner with Harry O, Steele (his girlfriend Elisha), Ben Kennedy and Adam Oxley. She knows them all and points them out on the TV when they’re on. – Nick
Is there a special time in the week when you take Milla and Archie out for your own ‘daddy daycare day’?
Yeah it differs each week because our schedule changes due to when we play. Erin also has her own business in the fashion industry, loveshopshare.com, so she has to go and do her thing which leaves the kids and I to spend some time together. – Nick
Besides their birth, obviously, what is your most memorable moment with your kids?
Probably in 2011 at the Grand Final parade. Although the next day has been wiped from my memory! Milla came with me in the car and fell asleep in my arms within 5 minutes! – Nick
Favourite family holiday?
New Year’s last year we were down at Rye. All my best friends from home came with their kids - we had 26 of us in total! It was great spending time with everyone as well as watching all the kids interacting with each other. – Nick
What makes him such a great father?
Nick is a loving dad, is generous and always spends every spare moment with the kids. We understand time is precious with him so he is always desperate to get back home to be with the kids prior to sleep time! – Erin
Do they recognise him on television?
Yes, Milla often sits in front of the TV and points her dad out, along with other players she recognizes. Very cute!! – Erin
