In a heartwarming and unexpected act of generosity, Collingwood Football Club captain Darcy Moore has stunned fans and the broader AFL community by donating a staggering $2 million to support a four-year-old Magpies fan recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The young fan, identified only as Luca, became known to the Collingwood team earlier this year after his family shared his heartbreaking diagnosis on social media, alongside photos of him proudly wearing his black and white jersey. Despite his young age, Luca had already become a fixture among the Magpie faithful, often attending games and cheering for his team with unwavering spirit.
Darcy Moore, known not only for his leadership on the field but also his compassionate nature off it, reportedly met Luca and his family privately after a training session earlier this season. Sources close to the club say the meeting left a profound impact on Moore.
In a brief but emotional statement released this morning, Moore said:
“Luca’s courage in the face of something so cruel and unfair moved me deeply. As a player and as a human being, I believe we have a responsibility to support each other when life takes a turn no child should have to face. This donation is just one part of what I hope will be a larger movement to support Luca, his family, and all those affected by MND.”
The $2 million donation will reportedly go toward covering Luca’s intensive medical treatments, mobility support, therapy, and long-term care. A portion will also be directed to FightMND, the leading Australian foundation dedicated to MND research and support services.
Fans and AFL Community React
News of the donation broke early this morning, and within hours, social media was flooded with reactions ranging from disbelief to heartfelt admiration. Hashtags like #DarcyMooreLegend and #ForLuca began trending nationwide.
One fan tweeted:
“I’ve always respected Darcy Moore as a captain, but today he showed what real leadership looks like. This is beyond footy. This is humanity.”
Another commented:
“Tearing up reading this. A little boy, a huge heart, and an act of kindness that gives us all hope. Thank you, Darcy.”
Several rival club supporters also chimed in, putting tribalism aside to commend Moore’s compassion.
Club Statement
Collingwood FC released an official statement praising their captain’s “extraordinary generosity and deeply personal commitment” to one of their youngest supporters.
“Darcy continues to embody the values of the Collingwood Football Club both on and off the field. We stand united behind Luca and his family, and we are proud of our captain for leading with such empathy and strength.”
Looking Forward
This act of kindness comes amid growing public awareness of Motor Neurone Disease, a condition that gained national attention through the late AFL great Neale Daniher, who himself was diagnosed with MND in 2013 and went on to co-found the FightMND campaign.
Darcy Moore’s donation is being hailed not just as a charitable gesture, but a powerful message about community, leadership, and the responsibility public figures have to use their platforms for good.
As for young Luca, his family has expressed “overwhelming gratitude” and says the donation has given them “hope and strength at a time when it’s needed most.”
