Young footy fan Harry Verfurth on jumping the fence to retrieve ball during Geelong’s win over Richmond

A nine-year-old was asked by an AFL umpire to jump the fence to retrieve a lost ball. And he was duly rewarded for his efforts. The youngster reflects on his rare experience.

Harry Verfurth rescued the lost Sherrin. Picture: Fox Footy

When the Sherrin fell into a minuscule gap between the advertising board and the fence at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night, nine-year-old Geelong fan Harry Verfurth had one thing in mind.

“I kind of got a bit excited and then there was a voice in my head saying, ‘jump, jump’,” Harry said.

A rare spoil from Geelong goalkicker Jeremy Cameron early in the final quarter over the top of Tiger Noah Balta saw the ball bounce into the fence and then drop into the abyss.

Sitting in the front row with his brother and father, Harry saw exactly where the ball had fortuitously dropped into the tight gap.

After being granted permission by the umpire to retrieve the ball, Harry climbed over the fence and hunted for the hard ball, emerging with the Sherrin in hand.

Lost a Sherrin? Seek out this young bloke! 😂👏#AFLCatsTigerspic.twitter.com/uWMiVl90Gk

— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 1, 2024

The margin was just 10-points at the time, but onlookers were all more focused on Harry.

He was given a raucous cheer by fans of both sides for his efforts, and he celebrated with a big double fist pump, the peculiar moment captured on live TV.

And he was the talk of the town at St Patrick’s Primary School down in Geelong.

“‘You’re famous, you’re famous!’” Harry said.

“I know I was on the TV and stuff, but getting a footy is not famous.”

The Newtown & Chillwell junior needed no encouragement from his father Matthew, either.

“He was pretty keen, he knew what he wanted to do. He just jumped over and took over himself – there was no way I was fitting down that little gap,” Matthew said.

But the best was yet to come after his five seconds of fame.

Harry was given a behind the scenes tour of Geelong Football Club, meeting his Cats idols and being gifted the ball he rescued, along with the boots of his favourite player, Tom Stewart.

Harry the hero 🦸 We invited Harry down to the club after giving a helping hand on the weekend! #WeAreGeelongpic.twitter.com/l0FzWz0NiK

— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) June 4, 2024

Harry Verfurth with his favourite player Tom Stewart. Picture: Supplied

Harry getting a signature from Tom Hawkins. Picture: Supplied

“The thing that stood out the most was probably the kindness that the players that were showing. They all didn’t mind signing my footy and also I was really excited when Tom Stewart gave me his boots,” Harry said.

“It was not like he saved anyone’s life or anything, but it has been a good experience for him just to be lucky to meet all his heroes, and the footy club was sensational,” Matthew added.

The fun continued on Wednesday when Harry and his two brothers toured the Sherrin factory in Keysborough.

“He has got some very lucky experiences. We had to explain to him how not many people get these opportunities, so to really enjoy it.”

Harry aspires to be a Geelong player one day and he has already showed his worth on Kardinia Park.

But would he jump the fence again?

“If I am allowed yeah, but if I don’t have permission I’m not paying the fine,” Harry said.

Originally published as Young footy fan Harry Verfurth on jumping the fence to retrieve ball during Geelong’s win over Richmond