School boy Nicholas Reeves puts Star into Star-light as Bailey Banfield makes heartwarming pledge
Narrogin Year 4 student Nicholas Reeves is a star who is shining a light on one of the Fremantle Docker's most cherished AFL rounds, with a little help from your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man.
The nine-year-old, who battled leukaemia, will toss the coin to start Sunday's clash with St Kilda in the club's 32nd annual Starlight Purple Haze game.
During one of his many long stints in Perth Children's Hospital for treatment, Nicholas met his Fremantle idol, Bailey Banfield, and another popular former Docker Tom Emmett.
A game of snap led to a promise that Banfield kept in round 16 last season after kicking a goal in their thrilling one-point win over the Sydney Swans at the SCG.
'Bailey and Tom asked Nicholas if they kicked a goal would he want them to do a special celebration? Well he was a bit stumped but they were playing this game of snap and the cards they were using were Marvel cards and the one that turned over was Spider-Man so that was it,' Nicholas' father Scott said.
Nicholas' spirits rose when Banfield goaled and turned to the camera to give him his special Spider-Man signal.
'He was over the moon, I have never seen him smile so much. Ever. And when it made the news , well, wow,' Scott said.
Now in remission, Nicholas is one of six Starlight Purple Haze Hero kids, along with Paige McKay, 7, Mateo Domazetovski, 6, Demi Sattler, 6, Luca De Groot, 4, and Grayson Pianta, 4, who will take part in the day of celebrations which raises money and shines a light on sick kids.
Dockers players will wear a special Starlight jumper to capture the spirit of the occasion.
Fans can pledge any dollar amount for each goal the Dockers kick during the game and sponsor South32, will match each pledge dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.
Purple Haze beanies will be sold outside Gate D for $30 and inside the ground, with $15 donated directly to the foundation. Starlight wands can also be purchased for $10 inside and outside the ground.
The Dockers and their fans have donated more than $3 million to the foundation.
Banfield described as a privilege the small but significant role he played in bringing joy to Nicholas and his family.
'It was a great game against Sydney when the celebration happened but the biggest part was it touched Nicholas and his family which is pretty special,' he said.
'This is a round the club gets around and it it's one our club and members love as well.
'The club and the playing group, men and women, really buy in and the fans can see that.
'Above all, they are just great kids. To be able to help them out at some of the lowest ebbs of their lives, and their families as well, is pretty special.'
And will there be another celebration should Banfield feel lucky enough to kick a goal against the Saints?
'Nicholas has given me another challenge. It is similar to Spider-Man with a bit of an extra twist. I'll leave it at that and we'll see how we go,' Banfield said.
'As far as degree of difficulty goes, it's going to be harder than Spider-Man so I'm going to say it's a seven or an eight out of 10.'
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