When Adelaide Vice Captain Ben Keays went next door to speak to his neighbours about security footage, he never imagined it would lead to what is now an unbreakable bond.
That bond was quickly forged with JD, a young Crows fan, who has a terminal heart condition.
“I had an incident at my house back in 2022, so I went across to JD’s house to check if his family’s cameras were on, and straight away I was treated like one of the family,” Keays said.
“They knew who I was and that I had the same birthday as JD - 23rd of February - and they knew I played for the Crows but they hadn’t said anything, they let me have my privacy on the street.
“It wasn’t until I went in and met them that they introduced themselves, but from there I learnt that JD had a congenital heart disease where his heart doesn’t grow properly.
“But he’s the most positive, upbeat kid ever and you wouldn’t guess that he has this terminal condition and that his life is quite affected.”
The pair’s friendship has grown since that first meeting, with Keays’ teammates joining him on regular occasions for dinner at JD’s house.
“Darryl would host dinners, and have myself and the boys over - I was living with Hingey at the time, so it started with just Hingey and I,” Keays said.
“Then I slowly bought more and more players over there to nearly having most of the team at these dinners.
“Darryl and his wife feed us the most incredible food and they’ve been amazing for a lot of us guys, especially ones who don’t have family here in SA, they look after us.”
JD was also given an experience of a lifetime, thanks to the Adelaide Crows Foundation, when he was the team’s mascot for the Round 24 game against North Melbourne.
“It was great to have JD run out with us in Round 24, because due to his condition, his physical activity is severely limited,” Keays said.
“For him to even walk up the race, walk up with all the people screaming, go through the banner and then walk back is a massive thing for him, but he did it easily and with a smile on his face.
“It was absolutely awesome and it’s so cool seeing how all the boys know him now and get around him. He’s such a big personality and he fits right in with us.”
Keays said the family’s positivity and generosity is infectious, despite it not being possible for JD’s condition to be repaired or for him to have a heart or lung transplant.
“I hadn’t known anyone with this condition, it’s obviously very rare and it’s not everyday that you’re around someone who lives under these circumstances,” Keays said.
“Just being around him so much, being neighbours and family friends now, seeing how he lives his life and how his parents live their lives just puts things into perspective.
“To see how positive they are and their attitude towards life is amazing.
“How generous the family is despite their circumstances with JD’s health is incredible. The boys love going over there for how good the vibe is, how fun the kids are and how much they look after us.”
