For a kid that loves AFL, getting to run out on the MCG or Etihad Stadium with their heroes as the match day junior mascot is the ultimate dream.

Unfortunately though for many kids this dream generally stays that, a dream, unless of course you’re seven-year-old Riley Thompson, who took matters into his own hands to make this reverie a reality.

Back in April 2011, a then four-year-old Riley attended his first SUNS match at Metricon Stadium. He had such a great experience that he requested to go to the home of AFL, Melbourne to watch a SUNS game.

After being told that flights were expensive, he decided that he would start saving up his pocket money.

“Riley has decided since he first came to a SUNS game back in 2011 that he’s in love with the SUNS and wanted to save up all his pocket money, as much as he could, to get down to watch them play at Etihad Stadium,” Riley’s mum, Kim told SUNS TV

“Every ounce of pocket money he has had for four years since then he’s saved in his little jar and he’s slowly changed it for notes and worked all the way up to a green note, so he was really excited.”

Three years down the track, and after a number of loans to his older sister, Riley finally saved up enough money ($150 to be exact) and booked his flights to the SUNS Round 13 match against Carlton at Etihad Stadium.

The tenacity for a kid at such a young age was bound to be noticed, and once the SUNS got a hold of Riley’s endeavour, they thought they would further his experience and offer him the chance to run out with the team as the match day junior mascot.

“The SUNS found out about it and they were so awesome and invited him to run on the ground and go through the banner with the players as the junior mascot for the day,” Kim said.

Kitted out in his SUNS gear, which he was given as part of the mascot experience, Riley stole the show, overtaking captain Michael Rischitelli as they ran out on to Etihad Stadium.

Kim, who was also there on the day, was so excited for Riley and couldn’t believe that his determination could result into what will be a day he will never forget.

“I cried, I was just so proud of him and so thankful of what the SUNS had done,” Kim said.

“It meant so much to him and to me.”