The 66-point win over Melbourne that delivered West Coast a shot at a premiership brought pleasure and pain for Eagles defender Tom Cole and his family.

Sixty-six is the number tattooed on the arms of Cole and his three sisters, Brittany, Gabrielle and Darcey, to remember their father Russell, who lost his battle with bowel cancer in March.

Russell wore that number on his football guernseys for most of his career in country Victoria and Cole’s mother Donna told The Weekend West that the winning margin triggered many emotions in the Optus Stadium changerooms.

It had signalled her son’s chance to live out his late father’s unfulfilled dream of attending an AFL grand final.

Camera Icon Tom Cole with his father Russell. Credit: Supplied

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“I can’t explain it, a lady told me it’s something called synchronicity,” Mrs Cole said.

“I just think the big fella was up there and God knows better than to cross Russell Cole. All I could say to Tommy was that dad was there watching his back.”

Mrs Cole revealed West Coast coach Adam Simpson went to the Bendigo hospital the day her husband was told his battle was nearly over. Four days later he died, aged 58.

“What Adam did for Russ was amazing,” she said. “When he saw Simmo, he was so animated and off and racing because he was such a football head.

“It was the most touching thing and just shows the character of the man. The club really has been amazing; it’s got that nurturing, caring feel about it.”

Camera Icon Tom Cole during the 2018 AFL round seven match between the West Coast Eagles and the Port Adelaide Power at Optus Stadium in May. Credit: Getty Images

When Tom was struggling with the loss, Mrs Cole said she told him to use it as a strength and believed he did.

Tom, who at 14 played cricket with his father, admitted yesterday it was surreal to win by the margin that was his father’s favourite number.

He said he would have the number six on each of the boots he would wear today.

“That was pretty crazy how all that turned out and it’s all kind of sinking in now that we’re here in Melbourne,” Tom said.

“It’s been a big year for our family. Mum’s been a great support and so have all my sisters and this is something that I want to do, something for them and make them proud. I’m just looking forward to tomorrow.”

Tom also has a tattooed crown next to 66 in tribute to his father, King Cole, while his sisters all also had the letters “WWRD” — What would Russell do. Mrs Cole has the word “Doopy”, the pet name she and her husband called each other.

Brittany said she and her sisters all had a “shucka” image tattooed on their necks because their father had a favourite Hang Loose shirt with the hand signal on it. Tom has one on his foot.

“There’s an irony with the tattoos because dad hated them,” she said. “He’d just roll his eyes and call us idiots.”

Mrs Cole revealed her son was the product of her husband’s failed vasectomy. “Tommy’s entry into this world is miraculous,” she said.

“We decided we weren’t going to have any more babies and bought our dream house. But I’ve always told Tommy he’s exceptional and was determined right from the word go. Whenever I want to be funny I tell him he’s Jesus Christ — immaculate conception.”

Camera Icon Donna Cole with Tom’s sisters Gabrielle Frances and Brittany Cole. . Credit: Michael Wilson.

Brittany said her “hot-headed” brother was often overwhelmed by the loudness of his sisters and often told lame jokes.

Gabrielle spoke on behalf of her three exercise-hating sisters when she said her brother was poles apart from them. “We don’t have that determination, us girls, we’re lazy … exercise, no thank you,” she said.

He is one of the least-known Eagles and could probably walk down a busy St Georges Terrace without being noticed.

But he will have the eyes of Australia on him today.

“I can’t quite put it into words,” Mrs Cole said.

“I’m exceptionally proud of what Thomas has achieved. I know the tears will be flowing because it’s just been such an amazing journey.”