Running out alongside Crows defender Tom Doedee has long been a dream for Adelaide superfan Nash Holmes. 

Nash is a member of the Crows Inclusive Academy which, thanks to the support of Variety, provides an opportunity for young people with a disability to learn new skills and make new friends in a supportive environment.

And, as part of his involvement in the academy, Nash will be one of the Crows’ mascots for Showdown 53 at Adelaide Oval.

The seven-year-old watched on during the Crows’ Captain’s training run on Friday and told AFC Media running through the banner with the players would be a dream come true.

“I’m excited,” Nash said.

“Tom (Doedee) has helped me and been friendly.”

Nash joined the Crows Inclusive Academy last year and since then, his confidence has skyrocketed, according to mum Brooke.

Brooke said Adelaide’s AFL and AFLW stars involved in the program have helped Nash build up his football skills, as well as his confidence.

“He’s super excited,” Brooke said.

“It means a huge amount to us because we never thought he would have the confidence to do something like that.

“But somehow with the Inclusive Academy at AFLMax, he finds the confidence. At first we weren’t sure because he can be quite anxious about situations but straight out, he didn’t look back.

“We think it’s amazing and we appreciate it so much.”

 Brooke, her husband Steve and their children Harper, Nash and Stella, have been lifelong Crows fans.

The family was looking forward to attending the Showdown together and watching Nash as he created a memory that would last a lifetime.

“The academy is so lovely, it’s inclusive, there’s no pressure and it’s just a beautiful space to be a part of,” Brooke said.

“Seeing him run out with the team will be a proud moment for us.

“We’ve got my parents coming, my sister, it’s such a special opportunity and he’s so excited.”

The Crows Inclusive Academy is run by the Adelaide Crows Foundation and has been supported by Variety: The Children’s Charity.

With Variety’s support across the past five years, the Showdown and Variety Showdown Shield is now more than just a fierce on-field rivalry with the Power, it’s also about coming together to support South Australian children to be their best.