Melbourne star Christian Petracca pays emotional tribute to the seven-year-old Dees fan who died of cancer
- Young Melbourne fan Charlie Tiang died last week
- The seven-year-old Dees supporter was diagnosed with a brain tumor
- Christian Petracca thought about the bond that Dees stars built with him
A ‘devastated’ Christian Petracca has paid tribute to a young Dees fan who tragically died last week, as the AFL star revealed the special bond the Melbourne players formed with him.
Seven-year-old Charlie Tiang died of cancer last week ahead of the Demons’ Round 23 game against Hawthorn.
Petracca said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 Tuesday night that news of Charlie’s passing was “devastating” for him and his teammates.
“I got a call that Charlie had died of a brain tumor,” he said.
“It is devastating and my heart and my condolences go out to his family.”
Christian Petracca has paid tribute to a young Dees fan who tragically passed away last week
A huge Melbourne fan, Charlie was a regular with the Demons earlier this season, attending practices and meeting with coach Simon Goodwin and the players.
Before Melbourne’s 17-point victory against Carlton in Round 12, Charlie came through the banner along with the players.
“One of his wishes was to get through the banner,” said Demons star Jack Viney, who pushed Charlie’s wheelchair through the banner at the time.
“So we made something really special for him today and he got to sing the song with us.”
During Petracca’s interview, pictures were shown on screen of Charlie in his wheelchair talking to the Demons players and staff.
“When you look at this picture coming up on screen it’s amazing the impact we as footballers can have on young children and their families,” he said.
Reflecting back on the day Charlie visited the Demons’ training center, Petracca added, “He was with us all day, sitting down and coming to meetings.
Seven-year-old Charlie Tiang died last week of a brain tumor
Charlie was a huge Melbourne fan and spent time with coach Simon Goodwin (right) and the players earlier this season
“We helped push him to practice and he came to watch us kick around with one foot.
“I think the impact we had on his family and himself (…) his parents messaged us about this.
And also the impact he had on us.
‘We always think that the high aim of a footy club is to bring success and happiness to those around us and that’s why we play footy.
“Hopefully we made Charlie and his family happy that day.”
He came through the banner with the players ahead of Dees’ round 12 clash
Charlie attended a team meeting and visited the Demons’ training facility
Melbourne shared a video of Goodwin breaking the news of Charlie’s death to the players ahead of the game against Hawthorn.
Grippingly, the vision of Goodwin speaking to the players is interrupted by footage of Charlie visiting the Demons’ training facility and attending a team meeting earlier in the season.
“The club is deeply saddened by the passing of young Demon Charlie Tiang,” the club said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and we thank them for letting us share these special moments.”