One little boy went to the MCG on Saturday full of excitement and anticipation. Nine-year-old Hilton Lay fulfilled one of his dreams when he ran out with the Essendon team before the match against Sydney. It was only 12 months ago that Hilton and his family – mother Filomena and sisters Cidalia, 18, Elizabeth, 14, and Lizia, 12, faced deportation to East Timor after their status as refugees expired.

Luckily, the Lay’s family case before the Refugee Review Tribunal was successful and they are able to stay in Australia. For Hilton this not only means freedom it also means staying close to his beloved Bombers. Hilton was only 11-months old when his family moved to Australia and it was at primary school that his passion for Essendon Football Club developed. Hilton loves watching the Bombers in action and his favourite players are James Hird and Matthew Lloyd.

Not only was Hilton Essendon’s mascot for the day on Saturday, he also got to meet his idol, Lloyd on Friday before the game. Lloyd meet Hilton at the MCG and presented him with a Bomber training jumper and hat. Hilton’s weekend was topped off when Essendon beat the Swans by 10-points.