This piece was originally published on July 18, 2018. Sadly, Josh passed away this week.

Josh's family was supported by Ronald McDonald House through their time of need. To support other families in their time of need, you can donate now at www.rmhc.org.au.

Since the age of four, running around the house in my woollen Collingwood jumper with the number five (Nathan Buckley of course) stitched into the back, I knew all I wanted to do in life was play on the big stage.

I did everything I could to make it happen and luckily enough, everything I did paid off. Footy was everything to me. 

I was given the opportunity to work with the Ronald McDonald House at Westmead in Sydney’s west in 2016 after doing some work with the Starlight Foundation.

For those who don’t know, the Ronald McDonald House is where families can live while their child is admitted to hospital for a prolonged period.

It gives families the ability to be with their child the whole time, instead of continually driving to and from hospitals.

These houses are all over Australia and they are full of fantastic and wonderful people.

Not just wonderful, but the strongest people you will ever encounter, and even at the youngest of ages. 

Fast forward two-and-a-half years to the end of May this year and we’d just lost our fourth straight game as we approached the half way mark of the 2018 season.

After being labelled from the outside as the pre-season premiership favourites, the feeling around the club and in the rooms was low.

Personally, I had given away the 50m penalty which gifted Essendon the first of four last-quarter goals which ensured the Bombers ran away with the game. 

I couldn’t help but feel responsible. 

During the week leading up to this game, I was put in touch with five-year-old named Josh - a mad GIANTS supporter.

Josh was living in the Ronald McDonald house, and was 13 months into his fight with cancer, when his mum had been given the news that the fight was still not won, and more treatment was required.

From this point onwards, I tried to do whatever I could to make Josh just that bit happier. 

We invited Josh into the rooms before and after the game against the Bombers at Spotless Stadium that night and he ran around like any other kid would – unaware of how precariously our season was sitting.

I don’t think Josh realised just how much he brightened our night when he came to the rooms after the game.

Our perceived problems instantly dissipated. 

We were humbled by the strength Josh showed, enduring months of chemotherapy at such a young age.

He made us laugh with his cheeky grin and obsession for kicking the footy. 

He didn’t care that we lost, he didn’t care about the score, all he cared about was kicking a mini football with his GIANTS. 

Later that week I went to the House to give him a visit, drop off some GIANTS pyjamas and a jacket which he loved… but really all he wanted was for me to sit there next to him while he played Fortnite with Nan (and yes, his Nan taught herself to play so he always has someone to play with).

He didn’t want to talk, he was just excited he had someone else he could show his game to. 

10 days later I was able take Josh through the banner before the Gold Coast game.

I had to carry him out onto the ground and under the crepe because he was too weak from his treatment to walk. 

Despite just having some of his teeth removed due to treatment-related decay, Josh blew me away with his energy and excitement for the experience.

This little kid still surprises me with his strength and determination as he continues to beat the odds and not let what’s going on consume him. 

Thankfully for the GIANTS, our season turned a corner after that night and we are still right in the hunt for September action. 

I know it’s selfish of me to demand Josh’s time while he’s so tired but being around him makes me smile. 

His effusiveness when he sees my teammates and I is contagious and incandescent. He continues to fight on and I’m so proud to be his mate.

Footy hasn’t changed for me, it still is everything to me, but it now fulfils me in a way that transcends possessions, spoils and goals. 

It’s put me in touch with inspiring people I’d never have met if it wasn’t for the position the AFL has afforded me. 

This five-year-old superstar has shown me the bigger picture.