Very, very sad story. Uplifting, and genuinely refreshing to see footballers take the time to look after those less-fortunate. Well done to the boys

Hey all,

I've lurked around this site and 'ology for couple of years now, never really felt like I had anything to add.

My 5 year old is also battling cancer and was lucky enough to receive a visit from Col Sylvia a few weeks ago. Col was great and spent well over an hour with Seb, never seemed rushed or gave any indications that he would want to be anywhere else. Seb had already been through several rounds of Neuro surgery that week but was all smiles that day.

In conversation Seb admitted that his favourite player was not Colin, but Jack Watts. Upon hearing this Colin personally organised for Jack to come in the following week.

Jack again spent well over an hour with Seb, at a time he was plugged into a dialysis machine harvesting his stem cells. Again there were smiles in a most difficult time. Jack was also very honest and spoke candidly about his relationship with Neeld, who had already been dismissed.

Both players demonstrated to me that they carry enormous compassion and to lose either would have a real negative impact on Off the field as much as on. After these recent experiences it makes me sad to read so many posters on here so keen to cut them adrift

I have seen Jack Watts on many occasions running out holding hands with the "mascot of the day" and occasionally turning around to pick them up when they have fallen over after running through the banner. He is a really caring person, especially with the smaller kids. He has the right attitude & a lot of time for the supporters. All he needs is the right coach to get his game sorted out. I would hate to lose him from the club.

What a sweet little kid. That was brilliant of the club, Jack and Nathan. It does go to show how much the club does mean to so many people. I got a lump in the back of my throat watching that.

Whereas it had me crying. Big old softie, I am. Good on you boys. Nice cinematography too.

That was brilliant, well done by all involved

Would be good if the club donated some money to help the kid and his dad

I was going to offer the club more money this year as upgrades to current packages.I am more then happy to help this family out

with memberships over the next couple of years.Please PM me if I can help out.

Would be good if the club donated some money to help the kid and his dad

one token visit is nothing.

if its heart felt, it'll be more substantial.

Well done MFC

Another big tick for Jack Watts

Some lovely content on this thread. Thanks, it is uplifting to read good feeling stories on any media.

one token visit is nothing.

if its heart felt, it'll be more substantial.

At the risk of feeding a troll, I can't let that one go unchallenged. Nothing about these visits can be considered token.

Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of token celeb visits to the kids in hospital, such as the Masterchef crews that came through with makeup and cameras and couldn't hide their contempt when told we don't watch their shows.

Both players visiting Seb came by themselves, on their day off, and had genuine time to share. More importantly they brought genuine happiness to the most difficult time I have ever experienced.

Calling it token just proves your own lack of empathy. I feel sorry for you

It brings you back to earth with a thud when you read a couple of stories like those posted above. The kids involved and their families deserve a 'positive' in their lives, and well done to the Melbourne Footy Club, and especially the players concerned, for providing a spark. Footy is a ruthless business, and it's very easy to lose sight of the fact that the players are people first and footballers second. My love for our Club just grew a bit more!

As bad as the past 6 or so years have been on field there are still times when I'm extremely proud to be a supporter of the MFC, this is one of those time. All the best Sam,Sydney and Bradvermont.

At the risk of feeding a troll, I can't let that one go unchallenged. Nothing about these visits can be considered token.

Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of token celeb visits to the kids in hospital, such as the Masterchef crews that came through with makeup and cameras and couldn't hide their contempt when told we don't watch their shows.

Both players visiting Seb came by themselves, on their day off, and had genuine time to share. More importantly they brought genuine happiness to the most difficult time I have ever experienced.

Calling it token just proves your own lack of empathy. I feel sorry for you

Probably the wrong word, but I think with a single Father, who is seriously ill & with a youngster in tow, then we should ensure that it doesn't end just with a photo shoot.

If I'm cynical about modern business methods & marketing ideas designed to use us all, then so be it.

..... I truly hope this is not the beginning & end to it, the story of Sam, single dad.

I think you'll see my theme is a serious one.

Probably the wrong word, but I think with a single Father, who is seriously ill & with a youngster in tow, then we should ensure that it doesn't end just with a photo shoot.

If I'm cynical about modern business methods & marketing ideas designed to use us all, then so be it.

..... I truly hope this is not the beginning & end to it, the story of Sam, single dad.

I think you'll see my theme is a serious one.

mate did you hear the sound of that kids voice

as a father and grand pa, that sound of joy coming from that kid can never be orchestrated it brought back so many memories of kids having their first solo bike ride and seeing dad not holding the back of their seat

the kid will never forget his dad,nor the MFC,jack,jonsey,

1 hour does so much to enhance the earth we live on,

gutted for more words out

It's awesome!

sweet.

mate did you hear the sound of that kids voice

as a father and grand pa, that sound of joy coming from that kid can never be orchestrated it brought back so many memories of kids having their first solo bike ride and seeing dad not holding the back of their seat

the kid will never forget his dad,nor the MFC,jack,jonsey,

1 hour does so much to enhance the earth we live on,

gutted for more words out

I did & I loved it... I certainly don't want to pour cold water on a great initiative...

my post is about the club following this up with support for Sam... remember, its Sam who is sick, & the interests of Sam's son, is best served by us helping Sam.

....... lets not put the cart before the horse.

We continually devalue life, by making everything about the romance of the so-called most vulnerable, (kids) & then once they're 19 or 20 the romance is over & we then tend to demonise males.

Hence, to me this should be about Sam in his hour of need, which inturn helps his son. by all means give gifts to the boy... but its Sam who needs the help & support. he is the one out on the limb by himself

Performance of the year by the club

had a tear in my my during that. Very sad story, but great to see the club help out. It made their day. would be nice to see the club follow it up further

Hey all,

I've lurked around this site and 'ology for couple of years now, never really felt like I had anything to add.

My 5 year old is also battling cancer and was lucky enough to receive a visit from Col Sylvia a few weeks ago. Col was great and spent well over an hour with Seb, never seemed rushed or gave any indications that he would want to be anywhere else. Seb had already been through several rounds of Neuro surgery that week but was all smiles that day.

In conversation Seb admitted that his favourite player was not Colin, but Jack Watts. Upon hearing this Colin personally organised for Jack to come in the following week.

All the best to you and Seb. Here's hoping you both get to enjoy years of Demons success in the future!

I've watched it four times today and its rolled me every time. I think too

many people myself included take too much for granted.

Edited September 15, 201312 yr by Al's Demons

Brought a tear to me and the missus watching that.. amazing

I've watched it four times today and its rolled me every time. I think too

many people myself included take too much for granted.

It's that pure joy in his laugh that gets me every time.

He does not even care how bad a team we are. What a legend!

Gotta keep sharing this video. We don't want a club like St Kilda with their stupid video, who have spent their post season setting people on fire, winning a reward over our boys doing some much needed good in the world. Stupidity wins out over charity far too often.

Edited September 15, 201312 yr by Jaded

It's that pure joy in his laugh that gets me every time.

He does not even care how bad a team we are. What a legend!

Gotta keep sharing this video. We don't want a club like St Kilda with their stupid video, who have spent their post season setting people on fire, winning a reward over our boys doing some much needed good in the world. Stupidity wins out over charity far too often.

As you say "the pure joy in his laugh" as we'll as his excitement when running out onto the field with Jack. Watching Sam read his letter, I can't begin to imagine what he would feel like asking for help just so his son had something nice on his birthday. As for the club, they could have easily bundled up some stuff and post if to Adelaide, what they did was bloody awesome.

Beautiful video. Bradvermont my heart goes out to you reading your post.