In seven years, young Crows fan Jack Robertson has never missed an Adelaide home game.
The youngster lives and breathes the Adelaide Football Club, having attended every match at Adelaide Oval with his family since the age of four.
Now, thanks to Variety – the Children’s Charity South Australia – Jack will run out alongside the Crows as they take to the field for Showdown 58 at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
Jack was born with Bilateral Microtia Atresia, a rare condition where both ears are affected by microtia (small malformed outer ear) and atresia (absence or closure of the ear canal).
The condition meant that at just five years old, following the Robertson family’s extensive fundraising and a significant grant from Variety, Jack and his family were able to travel to Los Angeles to become the first bilateral patient to receive two 3D-printed Lewin Ears.
Jack, who was given a tour of the Crows’ West Lakes headquarters in the lead up to the Showdown, said it was a dream come true to watch the team train and to run out onto Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
“It’s been really good because I get to see what they do every single day and where they walk around and train,” Jack said.
“I am so excited for Saturday and it’s going to be amazing to run out with some of my favourite players. It will just be so good to be on the field and experience it.
“I don’t remember my first game because I was really young, but I don’t reckon I’ve missed any home games. I love the experience, the goals, the celebrations and the players.”
Jack’s Dad, Ben Robertson, said the surgeries had been “life-changing” and the family was lucky to have Variety’s support.
