Throughout the 20 years of the Starlight Purple Haze game proudly presented by South32, Fremantle have had the pleasure of getting to know many beautiful children through the Starlight Children's foundation.
Bringing these kids in and being able to put a smile on their faces means the world to the Club.
In 2017 we welcomed two Starlight Stars in Olena Forsyth and Tim Timaepatue.
Orlena is a brave young Freo fan who spent time with Freo players through the Starlight Children’s Foundation, as well as at the Club before going through the banner with the team on Starlight Purple Haze gameday.
We spoke to Orlena and her Mum, Steph, about her experience last year and how she's going now.
Tell us about yourself! Name, where you’re from, what your hobbies and interests are.
My name is Orlena and I live in Armadale with my mum Steph and stepdad Richard. I love drawing and colouring in and playing with my animals. Also love watching football and basketball and listening to music.
Tell us a little bit about your involvement in a previous Purple Haze match. When was it? Who did Freo play and did they win? What were the fun things you got to do? Did you get to meet anyone special?
Steph: Round one Sunday 26 March vs Geelong Cats. Unfortunately, Fremantle didn't win that day. It was such an amazing experience being a part of the Purple Haze game.
Got to spend time with the team at a training session the week before and met a few of the players.
Helped out Garrick Ibbotson with DockerTV advertising about the game. Check out the video below:
Favourite part was being pushed out in her wheelchair onto the ground and through the banner by Aaron Sandilands
What did being involved in Purple Haze mean to you?
Steph: Being able to see the great things that the Fremantle Dockers and the Starlight Children's Foundation achieve is amazing to see. Showing support for our sick kids is always beautiful to see.
Who was your favourite player then, and who is your favourite player now?
Steph: Orlena's favourite player then and still now is Michael "Sonny" Walters. We even named one of our cats after him (Sonny).
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