As Ethan Chamings looks on from the sidelines of Adelaide’s main training sessions, there is a beaming smile across his face.

And it’s no surprise, according to his father Brett Chamings, who describes the opportunity his son has been given as a “dream come true”.

A die-hard Crows supporter, Ethan was invited to Adelaide’s training ahead of the side’s Round Nine clash against St Kilda - just eight months after being diagnosed with cancer.

After breaking his leg at netball training, it was revealed the 12-year-old had developed a rare form of bone cancer. 

Speaking to AFC Media, Brett said the diagnosis had been a shock to the family.

“Eight months ago, Ethan fell over at training and broke his leg, and we just assumed that it was just a regular broken leg, but more scans revealed that he had a tumor in his leg, and that flipped our world on its head,” Brett said.

“Having to deal with a bone cancer diagnosis, straight away Ethan went into chemotherapy and has been going through that.

“In December the doctors decided that they could not save his leg where the break was, so that had to be amputated, it has been quite a tough time.

“For a die-hard fan like Ethan, it is just a dream come true, to be able to be here on the sidelines watching training and talking to the boys, it’s honestly surreal.”

Going through what can only be described as the toughest of times, the local community wrapped its arms around Ethan and his family, putting together a number of fundraisers and providing a helping hand wherever necessary.

As a result of the support, Adelaide legend and Triple M Breakfast radio co-host Mark Ricciuto became aware of the situation, and was immediately compelled to bring some joy to Ethan’s life.

“When he had the amputation, Luke (a family friend) had a chat with Roo (Mark Ricciuto) and the boys at Triple M and told them Ethan’s story and Roo was pretty keen to set up a meet and greet,” Chamings said.

“Roo, Reilly O’Brien, Jake Soligo, Josh Rachele and Luke Nankervis came out to our house and spent time with Ethan, which was great.”

Following Ethan’s day at the Club last week, the family was also given access to a corporate box at Adelaide Oval, which will be used during the Crows clash with West Coast in Round 13.

The corporate box was donated by the Crows Foundation for a fundraiser held at Ethan’s soccer club, Salisbury Sharks, and was then given back to the family.

“This shows that the Club really does care about its supporters and really cares about Ethan and what he’s going through,” Chamings said. 

“It has been very tough for him over the last few months, so little things like this are just massive.

“He’s been looking forward to this for months and now he is close to the end of his Chemo. It's great to see him feeling better. 

“We can’t thank the Club and the Crows Foundation enough for everything they have done for us.”