How the Socceroos kicked off a dream for Max Chatillion

MAX Chatillon, who has contracted a very rare brain tumour, medullablastoma, has received a once-in-a-life time football honour.

Hills Brumbies footballer Max Chatillon with Socceroo Tim Cahill during the team training.

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MAX Chatillon, who has contracted a very rare brain tumour, medullablastoma, has received a once-in-a-life time football honour.

The Hill Brumbies footballer, whose disease could now force a change in Australian laws to help others like him, had the rare honour of leading out the Socceroos in their recent international against Greece at the ANZ Stadium.

Brumbies spokesman Paul Raad said Max has been struggling with his illness but the Kenthurst lad was so pumped out on that night that he was even able to walk at a brisk pace.

Max Chatillon with Socceroo coach Ange Postecoglou during the team training.

“Max’s mum told me she had not seen Max smile like that since he was diagnosed,” Raad said.

Max couldn’t have been prouder when he was asked to stand in front of skipper Mile Jedinak during the singing of the national anthem.

For Max, 16, and his family, this was something they will treasure for the rest of their lives and follows the special meeting with the entire Socceroos team during their closed door training before the international.

During that session, Max posed for pictures and spoke to coach Ange Postecoglou and the players, including Timmy Cahill, Jedinak and Tommy Rogic, who even presented the youngster with a pair of his signed boots.

A proud Max Chatillon with Socceroo captain Mile Jedinak before the Australia v Greece international in Sydney on June 4. Pix: Foxtel

Max Chatillon before his illness.

“Every player treated Max so well and Tommy Rogic was so very generous as to give Max a very special gift,” Raad said.

“Mile Jedinak was exceptional with Max, chatting to him on training night, and making him feel like a million dollars.

“Of course none of this would have been possible without (coach) Ange and his approval of it all.

“To know Ange was so accommodating was so welcoming to us all.

“At training he spoke at length to Max and was just awe inspiring and for a young footballer to be able to experience this was incredible.

“Ange is a true gentleman and his blessing for all of this to happen is so greatly appreciated.”

Raad said there is a Max bill in parliament which could be passed and help other children like Max but it is unlikely that he will benefit from it.

Max’s mum Narelle said they are grateful to the Socceroos and the team management for making this possible.

Max Chatillon with boot signed and donated by Tommy Rogic.

“Max is indeed fortunate to have this opportunity to beat this and it is not lost on us that many families don’t get a second chance,” his mother Narelle said.

“To meet his heroes is beyond his wildest dreams and the generosity of so many is heart warming.

“This condition is so unusual especially in this age bracket that the health system was not prepared for it.

“Our team of surgeons and specialist have worked so hard in getting him here and now he has to continue the fight with the help of us all.

“The Brumbies have kept his shirt number ready for his return to what he loves and there will not be a dry eye in the stands the day that this happens.

“There is just no other option and I am sure that this will just be a hiccup in his life’s journey.”

Max, who has a twin Harry and elder brother Jack, 20, had a concussion after suffering a knock to his head during pre-season training.

“This brought on the symptom of vertigo,” Raad said.

“After a couple of weeks of no improvement he had his first MRI which showed the rare medullablastoma on the top of the spinal cord and cerebellum.

“This was removed two days later via a craniectomy at Macquarie University Hospital and intense radiation treatment started immediately.”

Max has just completed a 31-daily treatment of radiation and is now in a four-week grace period and some surgery to prepare for another six months of chemotherapy at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Raad used his connections with Luke Casserly, the Director of High Performance at Football Federation Australia, to initially set up the meeting with the Socceroos at training but said the team then made it even special by inviting Max and his family for the international.

The Brumbies is organising a charity day for Max on Saturday, June 25 at Lilys Football centre, Seven Hills, where memorabilia — including Socceroos and Parramatta Eels jerseys — will be auctioned off. Treatment for Max is quite expensive.

The date coincides with Max’s 17th birthday.

Max previously played with Parramatta FC and Northern Tigers.

Details:hillsbrumbies.com.au