This was one of Star Weekly’s top stories of 2021. Here’s your chance to read it if you missed it, or revisit it before another year of jam-packed news content.
Twelve-year-old Coda Abbouchi was set to play his 50th game for the Roxburgh Park Football Club during what has turned out to be the final game of the season.
However, in the week leading up to the game, Coda began to feel unwell, and was later diagnosed with Lymphoma.
The club is now running an auction to help foot the bill of the youngster’s treatment.
Under-14s assistant coach and committee member Trevor Gladman said the auction was for a family that are “the most lovely people”.
“They’re just an awesome family,” Gladman said.
“Coda’s dad is a coach… He is just the heart and soul of the team, and such a brilliant person.
“We’re trying to support them through this… thought the best thing to do was to raise money so that part of the process is taken care of, and they can focus on what really matters.”
Gladman said the community support has been touching, spreading from close local clubs to AFL Victoria.
“People have really gotten behind it,” he said.
“It’s things like this that show how great community clubs can be, and footy generally.
“Everyone in footy supports everyone in footy.
“To see the comradery is just fantastic.”
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Michaela Meade
