When Crows midfielder Jake Soligo stepped into the team huddle on the MCG before the clash against Essendon this month, Skipper Jordan Dawson wasn’t preparing to give his final word.
Instead, young superfan Zac Frost was the one getting ready to pump up his favourite players ahead of their Round Two match.
Zac, now 10, has overcome many battles in his short life, since being diagnosed with a brain tumor at just two years old.
Following countless treatments and surgeries, thanks to Starlight and the Adelaide Crows Foundation, Zac’s dream to lead his favourite team out onto the ‘G was granted.
Soligo, who met Zac last year during a hospital visit last year while the youngster was recovering from a second bout of surgery, said it was a touching moment.
“Zac was able to run out with us during a game against St Kilda at Adelaide Oval last year, but he had always dreamed of doing it at the MCG, so it was awesome to see him get to do that,” Soligo said.
“He was the first one out there onto the ground, so he was pretty stoked as Daws let him at the front and he led us out through the banner.
“We all went into a circle and I’m pretty sure he said ‘go out hard, win the ball and let’s get the win against the Bombers’.”
Soligo said he was honoured to be a role model for Zac, and knew how much the gesture meant to the family.
“He loves the Crows and said I was one of his favourite players, so I’ve caught up with him a few times since, we’ve been for a few kicks of the footy together,” Soligo said.
“I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to be able to impact these kids’ lives and for them to look up to me is very humbling and surreal.
“To be in the position we are to make Zac’s day and continue a relationship with him is amazing.”
