Get to know our 2026 Starlight kids ahead of Thursday night’s much-anticipated Starlight Purple Haze game against Sydney, proudly presented by South32.

Izzy Miller – 6 years old

Izzy is a proud Fremantle Dockers supporter whose love for the purple grew even stronger during her time at Perth Children's Hospital. Her favourite players are Jaeger O'Meara and Sean Darcy, not just because of what they do on the field, but because of the kindness they showed her when she needed it most. During some of her sickest days in hospital, they sat down and played Barbies with her, taking the time to make her smile and forget, even for a little while, what she was going through. Their compassion left a lasting impression on Izzy and her family, and she'll never forget the joy they brought during such a difficult time. She's incredibly excited and proud to be part of this special day.

Vance Bycroft – 7 years old

After a freak backyard accident left Vance with a spinal cord injury, his world suddenly shifted to the wards and rehab gyms of Perth Children’s Hospital. Seven long months were spent rebuilding strength, relearning movement, and adjusting to a new normal that no child should have to face. But in the middle of that, Vance found sparks of joy in The Starlight Express Room - a place where he could laugh, play video games, and forget about hospitals for a while and just be a kid. The Starlight Captains, dressed in their bright purple uniforms, quickly became some of his favourite people. It was in that room, surrounded by purple, that Vance discovered the Fremantle Dockers. With his dad already a die‑hard Freo supporter, Vance jumped on board, choosing Jye Amiss as his favourite player because he’s a Busselton boy too and he’s a pretty good goal kicker! Through rehab, recovery, and everything still ahead, footy - and Freo - have become part of the joy that keeps him moving forward.

Cody de Vos – 7 years old

Since he was young, Cody has always loved kicking a ball around and was eager to get back into playing soccer once his health improved. He didn’t follow AFL much until he spent time at Perth Children’s Hospital earlier this year. One of the highlights of his stay was meeting the Fremantle Dockers in the Starlight Express Room, an experience he will never forget. His favourite player has become Sean Darcy after playing UNO and FIFA together. It was a huge surprise when Cody learned he was taking part in the Starlight Purple Haze Game. After everything the family has been through with Cody’s health, it became something they are incredibly excited about and looking forward to. Cody lives in Albany and enjoys spending his spare time outdoors. When he’s not playing sport, he loves lighting a campfire and going fishing. This experience will be something that Cody and his family will never forget.

Hayley Wood – 10 years old

Hayley is a lovely girl with a passion for life and fun. She comes from a family that have always been West Coast Eagles supporters, however, one meeting with the Fremantle Dockers in the Starlight Express Room changed everything. It was love at first purple sight and she has been a strong and loud supporter ever since, especially for her favourite player, Bailey Banfield. Her love for the team is so contagious that she has converted her family members into changing their colours. Hayley has spent a lot of time in the Starlight Express Room with the players, and the fun and laughter had at these meetings has further deepened her love of the team and sport. She enjoys watching past games, learning about players and practising the club song. Hayley hopes when her treatment comes to an end, she will be able to participate more in the sport played by her favourite team.

Bilal Mostafa – 11 years old

A passionate Fremantle Dockers member since his Auskick days, Bilal’s dedication to the Purple Army is legendary - headlined by months of playing the club song on a continuous loop on YouTube! He regularly attends home games at Optus Stadium alongside his beloved Nana, completely decked out in purple and cheering at maximum volume. Earlier this year during a stay at Perth Children’s Hospital, the Starlight Children's Foundation turned Bilal's dreams into reality by organising a special player visit. The absolute highlight for Bilal was the unforgettable opportunity to chat face-to-face with one of his favourite players, Andy Brayshaw. Whether he is bringing his trademark energy to the grandstands or rallying the family from the living room couch, Bilal embodies the true spirit of the Freo family. Today, he is incredibly proud, grateful, and excited to stand alongside his heroes, creating a lifelong memory he will cherish forever.

Flynn Hamlet – 14 years old

Flynn's favourite player is the big unicorn Luke Jackson, who Flynn is tipping for this year's Brownlow! Flynn was born into a mad Fremantle Dockers supporting family as his mum and nan have been loyal fans for more than 30 years. Flynn loves getting along to the games and cheering his team on from home. He especially loved when Pat Voss roughs up his opponents and celebrates a big goal. Flynn recently got to meet some of the players in the Starlight Express Room at Perth Children's Hospital and are very grateful to be part of Purple Haze this year.