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.
“The surgeries were life-changing for him, in that we had the best surgeon in the world and we will always be grateful for Variety in giving us that hand,” Robertson said.
“Jack was born without fully formed outer ears, so he requires assisted hearing by bone conduction”
“To see Jack, a happy boy that we always imagined, we are just super grateful.”
Robertson said the family couldn’t wait to see Jack run out with the team.
“It’s a great opportunity and it’s one of his absolute passions - the Crows - he loves the Crows, loves the boys - it’s a big part of our weekends,” Robertson said.
“I think footy brings people together and he gets his chance to celebrate and enjoy the moments of the Crows, but also with family and friends.
“That’s the big special part for us.”
Jack’s mum, Amy, was expecting Saturday to be an emotional night.
“Absolutely there will be (tears),” she said.
“I am so proud of him and it’s such an awesome opportunity and he’s going to be so happy. He’s a bit nervous and excited.”
Jack will be joined during the runout by fellow junior mascot and Crows fan, Ricky, also thanks to Variety.
Variety supports South Australian kids and families who are facing challenges through sickness, disadvantage or living with disability.
The Showdown partnership, which has been in place since 2018, supports the work of Variety as well as positively impacting the Club’s community programs.
The partnership allows an additional 4,000 South Australian students from disadvantaged learning environments to participate in the Open Parachute program, which focuses on improving child and youth mental health.
The mighty mascot experience for Showdown 58 has been made possible by Crows partner Bendigo Bank, which donated it to Variety.
Adelaide faces Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday at 7.40pm.
Limited tickets available here.
