“ANYTHING is possible,” were the words of advice offered by Karl Amon to 12-year-old Hamish Shute, who suffers from the same condition that left Amon unable to walk for two years of his early life.

Hamish and his family were invited to meet Amon to hear about how he overcame Perthes disease to become an elite sportsman.

Affecting one in every 4,750 Australians, the rare disease is generally found in young children and upsets blood flow to the femur, resulting in painfully sore and debilitating joints.

Diagnosed with the disease at age eight, Hamish has been living with the severe hip pain for four years. He was inspired by Amon’s remarkable journey from wheelchair to football field, being an avid sports lover himself.

And Amon jumped at the opportunity to meet the young Power fan.

“I think it’s something I can relate to, I’ve experienced it as a kid myself, so I know what he’s going through,” Amon said.

“Passing my knowledge and any support I can to Hamish and his family, and any others who need help, is absolutely something I’m willing to do.”

Amon battled with the disease for three years, after being diagnosed at age five. Wheelchair bound and under constant care during his first year of school, he underwent five separate surgeries on his hip and years of rehab just to be able to walk.



Karl at a young age.

While the physical effects can be debilitating, it’s the profound mental impact of the disease which Amon remembers most.

“I wasn’t able to play sport, which I loved as a kid,” he explained.

“You’re seen as different…I was the only person in a wheelchair at my school, so it was that little bit harder for me.

“Especially loving football as a kid, that’s the toughest bit, when you’re not allowed to get out and play with your mates.”

Thankfully Hamish hasn’t required to go under the knife yet, and he’s not letting the disease stop him from being active.

He still kicks the footy around with his brothers and sometimes hits the field with his school team.

While there is no known cause for the disease, it can be overcome with time and treatment.

Karl’s advice to Hamish is to never give up, because anything is possible – he’s living proof.

It’s safe to say the young fan has a new favourite Power player – Hamish has since got himself a #15 guernsey and says he’ll be watching every one of Amon’s games!