A Heartbreaking Turn of Events
Jobe Watson, a legendary AFL player for the Essendon Bombers, and his fiancée Virginia Slaghekke have faced a devastating setback: the cancellation of their long-awaited wedding in Noosa due to Cyclone Alfred. Tim Watson, Jobe’s father and a revered figure in the AFL community, shared the emotional news on his SEN breakfast radio show. "I had to cancel a lot of things yesterday because we had a very heartbreaking day in our family," Tim said, his voice carrying the weight of a father’s sorrow. "The wedding had to be postponed. We were all flying up to Queensland this weekend, and oh my goodness, it has been a heartbreak of a last 24 hours for everybody. This is like the nail in the coffin, if you want to use that term."
The Impact on the Wedding
The couple had meticulously planned the wedding for 18 months, a period filled with anticipation and joy. The news of the cancellation must have been a severe blow, especially considering the significant personal and financial investments they had made. Friends and family, including seasoned commentator Garry Lyon, expressed their shock and condolences. "Your poor son and Virginia and the family, for 18 months have been preparing the wedding of their lifetime. This is close to our hearts as well because we [Lyon and fiancée Nicky Brownless] have a wedding the following week and we hope and pray that everything is going to be OK," Lyon said. "Honestly, my heart goes out to you and your families."
AFL’s Response to the Crisis
The wedding cancellation was just one of many disruptions caused by Cyclone Alfred. The AFL, recognizing the severity of the impending storm, made the decision to postpone two matches: the Brisbane vs Geelong clash, which was set to kick off the season on Thursday night, and the Gold Coast vs Essendon match scheduled for Saturday. Unlike the NRL, which moved Friday’s Souths vs Dolphins game to a safer venue, the AFL opted for complete rescheduling to allow players based in south-east Queensland to prioritize their families and communities during the storm’s impact. "Rather than switch the matches to a venue outside the danger zone, the league chose to reschedule completely to let players look after their families when the deluge hits," Tim Watson explained, highlighting the league’s thoughtful approach to the crisis.
A Community in Crisis
While the Watson family’s disappointment is palpable, Tim acknowledged that they are among many whose plans have been upended by the cyclone. "There would be a lot of people heading up there this weekend—not for the wedding I’m not talking about, I’m just talking about people that were going to Queensland," he said. "Some of them would have been going to football, others would have been going maybe to another wedding somewhere, or another engagement somewhere. These things happen, they’re an act of God, and none of us wanted to cancel anything. No one wants to cancel anything, everyone’s paid for things ahead of it. And not to get a full refund on things is [awful]. Other people are going to experience this over probably the next 24 hours or have already." Despite the personal loss, Tim’s comments reflect a broader sense of community and empathy for those facing even greater challenges.
A Love Story Born in New York
Jobe Watson and Virginia Slaghekke’s love story began in a New York cafe in 2016, when Jobe was suspended from the AFL for a year. The unlikely encounter blossomed into a partnership that has since seen them welcoming three beautiful children: Juniper, Wolf, and Lilou. The Dutch model made a significant life change by moving to Australia to be with the former Bombers skipper, demonstrating the depth of their commitment. Jobe’s announcement of the wedding date in August last year was a moment of joy and anticipation. "I am having a combined 40th and bucks party down in Queenstown," Watson said, referring to the famous party and skiing hub on New Zealand’s South Island. "I am getting married in March and my birthday is in February, so I thought why not combine the two and do it down there." The plans were a testament to their deep connection and the excitement of starting a new chapter together.
Moving Forward with Grace and Resilience
Jobe Watson, like his father, has built a successful career in television after his playing days, featuring prominently on Seven’s AFL coverage alongside other greats like Luke Hodge, Matthew Richardson, and Joel Selwood. Despite the setback, the family is determined to move forward with grace and resilience. "Everyone will be fine. The whole thing is a little bit raw at the moment," Tim Watson reassured, conveying a sense of strength and optimism. The community’s support, both within the AFL and beyond, has been unwavering, and Jobe and Virginia’s love, tested and true, will undoubtedly see them through this challenging time. Their story is a reminder of the power of love and the importance of prioritizing safety and family in the face of unpredictable natural disasters.
