When the cameras panned from Bachar Houli to the Auskicker delivering the Richmond star's second premiership medallion, the pictures didn't tell the full story of young Henry Baum.

The eight-year-old footy fan from Lara, outside Geelong in Victoria, earned his place on grand final day as the Auskicker of the year nominee for round 20.

In the video above: The moment Henry walks on stage to present Houli with his medallion

And when that honour ensured Henry would present a premiership player with his medallion, the West Coast Eagles supporter was determined to walk on the dais without the help of his wheelchair or crutches.

Over the past 12 months Henry's life has been changed by a debilitating diagnosis.

"My hip died because of Perthes' disease, the blood stopped flowing," Henry told Channel 7's Hamish McLachlan in August.

"Now I'm in a wheelchair and I've also got some crutches."

Perthes' disease stopped Henry from playing under-9s but All Abilities Auskick has allowed him to stay out on the field during a tough time in his childhood.

"It's really fun with all the kicking and handpassing and all the games," he said.

The condition is rare but children living with Perthes' disease can fully recover.

Henry can even find inspiration in the AFL ranks: Port Adelaide's Karl Amon was diagnosed when he was five.

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He underwent several operations amid numerous hospital stays while spending a year in a wheelchair and another year on crutches.

"When I was in a wheelchair, seeing all my mates play footy out in the yard urged me on to get through the rehab," Amon said in 2015.

Henry already has plans to make use of the skills he's been building in All Abilities Auskick.

"When I'm better I'll probably try and go for goal when I play under-9s again," he said in August.

For now Henry's love of football has taken him to the MCG as an Auskicker who achieved his goal with a smile on his face.

"We are so proud that he walked on stage to present the medal, something that he was determined to do!" AFL Barwon tweeted on Saturday.