Two years ago Oliver Miles never thought he would play footy again. On Sunday he will run out for his mighty Yeppoon Swans Under 17s on AFL Capricornia Grand Final Day.
In December 2022, Oliver was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia.
Immediately after his diagnosis, Oliver and his family relocated to Brisbane to start his treatment, which included participating in a new medical trial.
This experience was mentally and physically demanding for Oliver and his family.
“When I was at the Brisbane Children’s Hospital, I didn’t even know if I’d make it back to Yeppoon,” he said.
“While there, there wasn’t a weekend that I wished I was playing footy.
“I wasn’t sure if I’d ever play footy again.”
Oliver said the support of the Yeppoon Swans played a huge role in getting him through this dark and challenging time.
“I had never seen anything like it,” he said.
“Every week at the hospital I was hearing from someone at the club telling me about the scores from the weekend or they’d send me Swannies shorts and kit to wear.”
The club and his school showed support by shaving their heads for the Leukemia Foundation’s Shave for a Cure and raised money for Oliver and his family.
Miraculously, Oliver’s treatment and bone marrow transplant were successful and he was able to return to Yeppoon with his family.
Earlier this year, after building his strength and immunity back, Oliver was able to return to the football field for the first time.
“It was unreal playing for the first time,” he said.
“I was so touched to see the amount of people who showed up.
“But being back with all of my mates was the best part of the day.”
This weekend the forward will play in the Under 17 AFL Capricornia Grand Final against the Glenmore Bulls.
“I’m keen to win,” he said.
“It’s been a big season for everyone and I can’t wait to get around the boys and celebrate the year.”
Oliver’s Dad Clint has said the whole family are so proud of him and can’t wait to see him run out on Sunday.
"We’ve always been incredibly proud of our boys, Oliver is the bravest person we know," he said.
"Through everything, he never once complained. He just got on with it.
"As a parent, watching your child face something so daunting with that kind of strength is both humbling and heartbreaking. His courage carried all of us.
"The Yeppoon Swans have always stood for respect, ruthlessness, and effort values that Oliver grew up around. They’ve been part of his DNA since day one. That mindset, that grit, is what drove him to get through treatment and fight to get back to the life and the game he loves. Yeppoon life. His mates. Yeppon Swans way footy.
"What Oliver faced wasn’t just physically demanding, it was dark and isolating at times.
"But the positivity, camaraderie, and love that surrounded and was continually sent down to him kept him going.
"Our club, his school St Brendan’s, and the wider Yeppoon community backed him every single step.
"The way they showed up for us was next level relentless and full of heart.
"We can never thank them enough. I’m forever grateful. That support gave us strength on the hardest days.
"This weekend is more than just a Grand Final for me, no matter the result, seeing Oliver run out with his teammates is a moment we’ll never forget.
"But yes we’d love nothing more than to see the boys bring home the chocolates."