It was a night to remember for Tyler Boxshall.
Dayne Zorko had already made her wish come true when he arranged for her and dad Adrian to go to the footy on Saturday night.
And when the skipper was a late withdrawal through injury, they were able to meet him and say thanks in person.
The lifelong Brisbane Lions fan had her wish for her dying father come true last week when Zorko heard their story on the radio and decided to do something about it.
Tyler called 4KQ and recounted the story of the special bond she shared with Adrian and their mutual love of the Lions.
In 22 years, the pair have barely missed a match.
“Dad and I have always gone to every Lions game we possibly could for my entire life,’’ she said.
“We’ve been there through thick and thin for the Lions.’’
Adrian was diagnosed last year with an aggressive form of terminal cancer and it was their wish over the long summer to attend one more Lions’ game together.
When Covid 19 forced a postponement of the season and then the return came with first no crowds and then limited numbers, they feared they may never get the opportunity.
Tyler brought the 4KQ crew and listeners to tears when she rang in to talk about her dad and her sorrow that he was unlikely to be around to share all the things ahead of her in life, such as getting married or having children.
Among those listeners was Zorko who thought he could at least ensure there was one more experience they could share, VIP treatment at a final Lions game.
“After hearing the story it was quiet touching, I was quite throw back by it all,’’ he said.
“I thought it was the right thing to do that now we are allowed fans into the stadium that I would give up my tickets for Tyler and Adrian to come to the game.’’
Two thousand lucky fans were allowed into the Gabba to see the Lions defeat West Coast by 30 points.
None of them were happier than the Boxshalls.
“It was probably one of the greatest games of footy I have ever attended,’’ she said.
“Dad felt really special, especially when they made the announcement on the big screen about him.
“He had a huge smile on his face the whole time.
“Everything was perfect, and we got to meet Dayne and thank him in person which I’ll never forget.
“And then the Lions won which was just the icing on the cake.’’