When Levi Kilby marched up the players’ race with Jack Ziebell by his side and the entire North Melbourne playing group following closely, all stress and nervousness left his mind. 

As the Kangaroos’ club song grew louder around Etihad Stadium to the cheers of tens of thousands of fans, Levi and the team stepped onto the Etihad Stadium turf and charged through the banner as one.

It was at that moment, the twelve-year-old reached a significant milestone in his struggles with anxiety. 

Long before he agreed to be the team’s official mascot against Hawthorn in Round 5, Levi wasn't that keen on playing sport or participating in any group activities.

But that hesitation gave way with the Roos by his side.

“It was very exciting. I loved it!" he told North Media. 

"I was nervous about the crowd but as soon as I started running with the team I wasn’t worried anymore.”

Thanks to the Spirit of Tasmania and The Huddle, Levi was able to confront his issues head-on and broaden his horizons. 

For those closest to Levi, the day meant more than they could have possibly imagined.

“The Huddle continues to grow Levi’s confidence and has made activities like today’s game, fun again,” Levi’s mother, Martine said.  

The importance of having amazing support networks around Levi to help him through some of the toughest periods in his life, not lost on the family.

“Everyone we dealt with made Levi feel welcome, comfortable, and worthy,” Ms Kilby said. 

While the match-day experience was relatively brief, the impact it will have on Levi could last a lifetime.

“He’s started to get involved with sports and has begun to regain that sense of belonging by joining his classmates in activities at recess and lunch,” Ms Kilby added. 

“The whole program, from The Huddle activities to running through the banner, has made such an impact on Levi.”