WFNL: Werribee Districts’ special act for Kellan Valenzuela

The courage of a four-year-old leukaemia patient has inspired a local footy club to victory after he bravely led them onto the field. See his story.

Kellan after receiving his Werribee Districts gear.

Werribee Districts might be a premiership contender but the club has already had its greatest win this season.

On Saturday, the Western Football Netball League club introduced a new player into its senior side, four-year-old Kellan Valenzuela who is currently in the fight of his life.

Kellan’s world was turned upside down seven months ago when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a type of blood cancer which requires immediate and aggressive treatment.

In the lead up to the game, Districts coach Chris Gilham named him as the team’s honorary 23rd player.

He was presented with his own number four playing jumper on Thursday night.

The bubbly young man then led the players out through a specially made banner alongside Districts leaders Ben McMahon and Dillon Viojo-Rainbow with the theme of the weekend ‘Let’s do it for Kellan’.

A guard of honour was formed as Kellan smiled from ear to ear as Districts ran out for the game against Yarraville Seddon.

It marked the moment Kellan became the second family member to represent the club with mum, Janine, part of the netball program.

“When they heard about Kellan, they wanted to do something for him. Saturday was amazing for him and us,” Kellan’s dad, Matt Valenzuela said.

“They made him and his brothers feel like part of the team, the family, in essence. To see our boy smiling from ear to ear is just beyond words. It really is.

“Werribee Districts were also raising money for the leukaemia foundation on the day, which is very much close to our hearts.

“Until this happens to your family, you just don’t realise how important all of these charities are.”

The day also included a Ladies Day function as Districts raised funds for Kellan’s family.

“This is what community footy is all about,” Gilham said.

“It was a big day for the club to support Kellan and his family as they continue this battle. Putting a smile on his face is going to be one of the best things we are going to do this year.

“Being able to come together as a club was a really special moment.”

On the field, Districts went another step closer to all but securing the Division 1 minor premiership with a 33-point win in tough conditions.

They now sit three games clear on top as they look to atone for last year’s grand final loss.

“The results now don’t matter later in the season and it’s all about jostling for position,” Gilham said.

“With the way the fixture has worked out, if you play four finals you’ll be playing for 15 weeks straight which makes finishing on top and getting the week off so important.

“You could throw a blanket over the top-four at the moment.”

Gilham’s side was able to hold the Eagles to just five goals as they again showed off what he considers to be an underrated part of their game.

“Our back six or seven were superb,” he said.

“We were missing some key guys and others were able to stand up. There’s not a lot said about our defence but it’s an area we know we’re particularly strong.

“We can score quickly at one end but we’re also the best defence in the league for scores against.”

Saturday’s game was the first of a big three week period for Gilham’s side where they will face the other three teams in the top four.

You can donate to Kellan’s cause here.