Football clubs are special places.

To supporters, the community, staff and the players, representing the red, white, and blue each week isn’t just about kicking goals, it’s about making a difference too.

Lily-Fay Wilson’s story represents that.

A young Bulldogs supporter, Lily had a difficult start to her life, receiving open heart surgery at just five weeks old.

Spending more than 100 days at the Monash Medical Centre, Lily was able to overcome this hurdle before being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.

Despite being told she would never walk or talk, the youngster proved everyone wrong, excelling in her school class and living her life to the fullest.

Her one dream was to run out with the Western Bulldogs and her favourite player, Marcus Bontempelli.

Lily got that opportunity on Thursday night, thanks to the Club's major partner Mission Foods, running out side-by-side with the team, next to the captain.

Seeing the elation on Lily’s face and her family will be a memory etched in the players’ minds for years to come.

Dogs’ defender Taylor Duryea spoke post game about what it meant to the playing group to fulfil a young girl’s dream.

“We were all able to read about Lily’s story throughout the week – it helps to give more perspective on life,” Duryea said.

“To have a girl that has faced some challenges but has such a great attitude was a good boost for us – we were glad we were able to give her that experience too.

“End of the day it is just a game of footy – although we are disappointed about losses and whether we play well or not.

“The Club is all about the people and community and I think we have that here at the Western Bulldogs. It is a big family like that and a good place to be a part of.”

The outpouring across social media has been profound, and reminds everyone about the power of football.

It was a memory that Lily will take with her for the rest of her life, and the Western Bulldogs couldn’t be prouder to be involved.