AFL club shattered by 14yo’s death
The Fremantle Dockers community has been left devastated after the passing of 14-year-old fan Milli Lucas.
Following a brave battle against terminal cancer, the Perth teenager died on Monday four weeks after celebrating her 14th birthday.
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The Dockers released a statement on Tuesday evening offering their condolences to the Lucas family. The club also revealed players would train with black armbands this week as a tribute to Milli.
Facebook image of Milli Lucas.Source:Facebook
The Fremantle Dockers trained with black armbands on Wednesday.Source:Twitter
“The Fremantle Dockers family are deeply saddened by the passing of Milli Lucas on Monday after a long battle with cancer,” the statement read.
“Fremantle players and staff first met Milli back in 2016 when she was invited to attend the club’s team photo shoot.
“It was at an extra special game day when Fremantle played Port Adelaide in 2019 at Optus Stadium where Milli stole the hearts of Freo fans forever.
“Welcomed into the inner sanctum for game day with her family, Milli journeyed to the centre circle of Optus Stadium to toss the coin and got a cuddle from her hero Nat Fyfe.
“Milli’s smile that day will be etched in our minds, always.
“As a tribute to this brave young girl, Fremantle’s AFL players will train with black armbands on Wednesday and AFLW players will train with black armbands on Thursday.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to Monica, Grant, Tess and Joel. You have all fought alongside your beautiful angel for so long. May she now rest in peace.”
Milli, you stole the purple heart of every Fremantle player, staff member and supporter.
We are deeply saddened you are no longer with us…but you will always be FOREVER Freo.
Our thoughts are with your family, especially Monica, Grant, Tess and Joel ? pic.twitter.com/tUVcIGFb5k
What a fighter ? @CameronLutey pic.twitter.com/EsRwT0ieiy
Milli was diagnosed with a Grade VI Glioblastoma at the age of nine and given only 12 weeks to live.
She underwent experimental surgery with high profile Sydney neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo and earned the nickname of his “miracle girl”.
Dr Teo removed 98 per cent of her tumour during a procedure in June 2019.
However, in early 2020 the teen’s family revealed she’d again been diagnosed with cancer and would undergo brain surgery.
Milli’s mother paid tribute on Tuesday with a heartfelt post on her daughter’s Facebook page.
“Our hearts are broken, our angel is now flying high and the world will never be the same,” Monica Smirk wrote.
“Baby girl, you were the full package, smart, funny, athletic, beautiful and could sing like an angel.
“That’s why they took you early you had all lessons completed.”
The young teen fought a brave battle against terminal cancer.Source:Facebook
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