Emotional scenes surrounded West Coast's win over Collingwood on Sunday as star Eagle Liam Ryan honoured his late nephew and godson Leslie, who tragically died after being hit by a truck while riding his bike to school in Greenfields last week.
Ryan was overcome with emotion during the fourth quarter of the match, when he pointed to the sky to dedicate a goal to Leslie.
The outpour continued after the game when Ryan took to the crowd to share a special embrace with Leslie's mother, Jaymee-Leigh Whitby.
The star forward was in doubt to play at all following the tragedy, but he was able to honour his number one fan with 15 disposals, a goal and a 66-point victory in a courageous effort.
Ryan also took to Instagram to share a heart-breaking tribute to Leslie last week.
"My nephew I am lost for words," he posted.
"I wish I could tell you I love you one last time, always my boy."
West Coast coach Adam Simpson spoke of the difficulty Ryan had faced in the lead-up to the game.
"It was a pretty emotional week for him," he said in his post-game press conference.
"I think when he kicked that goal and got the support from his mates. To play and execute, was something we all enjoyed."
Leslie's death was felt across the Mandurah community, with locals leaving flowers and tributes at a memorial erected to honour the eight-year-old.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help cover the cost of Leslie's funeral, with more than $5000 being raised less than 24 hours since the page's creation.
"At this time the family are going through a heart-breaking loss and as such need our help," the page's bio reads.
"Your help would send a message of love and sympathy to his family in this their time of need."
To donate to the page, visit gofundme.com and search for Leslie's Funeral Fund.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
