Every goal kicked in next weekend's Warrnambool and District league football will be worth a lot more than just six points.
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Round nine, the WDFNL has announced, will be known as the 'Goals for Goals' round, designed to raise funds for Noah Dowie, who has Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA), an extremely rare blood condition that affects about 20 Australians and about 1000 patients worldwide.
And in order to help fund-raise for the family's trip to America for a consultation with one of only a handful of DBA specialists at Camp Sunshine, the WDFNL is donating $10 for every senior football goal scored next Saturday.
Noah was diagnosed with DBA on his first birthday after his parents Kristy and Jet Dowie mentioned Noah's pale complexion to his pediatrician. The four-year-old's body does not produce enough red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body, which is caused by bone marrow failure.
Kristy said the camp was a chance to hear about the latest research, what doctors were working on and meet other families with the rare condition, but estimated the trip would cost about $10,000.
And Jet said the 'Goal for Goal' round initiative was another example of strong support his family had received from the south-west community.
"It's amazing," he said. "Words can't even describe how we feel."
The former Merrivale and Port Fairy football player said it also demonstrated the power of local sport.
"Football and netball clubs are often places where people from all different walks of life connect," Jet said.
"It's a community in itself and when the league comes up with an idea like this, it shows it's about much more than just sport.
"This will all contribute a long to hopefully extending Noah's life long enough until one day a cure might become available."
AFL Western District operations coordinator Mat Milne encouraged WDFNL clubs and local businesses to get behind the cause along with the league.
This could be done by home teams holding a donation tin at the gate or donating $10 for each senior goal scored by their team.
"Once all of the donations have been collected a time will be organised to present Noah, Kristy and Jet with the monies raised," Milne said.
For more information, email mathew.milne@afl.com.au.
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