When 22 young men run on to the field each week for the West Coast Eagles, they take the hopes and best wishes of all of supporters with them.

Each match is a physical and mental battle against the opposition and the elements.

For one diehard Eagles fan, his off-field fight makes a weekly game of football seem just that little less important.

A dedicated husband and father of two, Kallam McDougall is in the midst of intensive radio and chemotherapy after the discovery of a high-grade brain tumour earlier this year.

Although Kallam won’t get a clearer picture of the effectiveness of his therapy until later this year, the avid Eagles fan took some time out from his battle to attend West Coast’s round six home match against Collingwood on May 1 with his family as guests of West Coast ruckman Scott Lycett.

“The experience was fantastic; even better that we won the game,” McDougall said.

“To top the day off, to be able to enter the playing surface after the match and take my shoes to walk the ground of Domain Stadium was awesome.”

A West Coast Eagles supporter for many years, McDougall has linked his fight and recovery to the fortunes of the side.

“I’m a bit superstitious,” he said.

“I put a lot of belief in when the team is winning, then so am I.

“When they win, I’m energised, and when they don’t, it makes me determined to do better.”

Our supporters form a remarkable community, and the entire club offers its thoughts and best wishes to Kallam and his family as he continues his brave fight.

For the past 11 years the West Coast Eagles, in conjunction with Cancer Council WA, has sought to raise funds for those battling cancer via its Dig Deep campaign. To learn more about our Dig Deep campaign and how you can help, click here.