Drysdale has thrown its support behind former best-and-fairest winner Josh Hopgood after he was diagnosed with cancer.
Hopgood, 36, is battling an aggressive form of liver cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.
Good mate Jesse Collins has launched a GoFundMe page to support Hopgood, his wife Maddie, and two young children, Hazel and Coco.
On Monday night, the original target of raising $45,000 was smashed through. As of 8 pm, the new target was $75,000, of which nearly $50,000 has been raised.
“He’s the kind of guy who loves the simple things in life: spending quality time with family, having a laugh with mates, and giving back to his local community,” a statement on the GoFundMe page said.
“Whether he’s pulling on the boots or coaching from the sidelines, Hoppy is the heart of the Drysdale Football Club. Anyone who knows Hop knows he is the first to lend a hand to anyone in need.
“Now, it’s our turn to show up for him.
“Josh has already kicked off intense chemotherapy. In True Hoppy form, he’s tackling this diagnosis head-on, treating it like just another challenge that will be beaten with grit, hard work, and determination.
“While Josh and Maddie have an incredible support network around them, this is going to be a long, exhausting fight. Between endless medical appointments, travel, and undergoing treatment, no young family can ever truly prepare for the sudden financial strain that comes with a crisis like this.
“We want to remove as much stress as possible so Josh, Maddie, and the kids can focus on what matters most: Josh winning this battle and spending time with his girls.”
Hopgood made the first of his 154 senior appearances in 2011, played in Drysdale’s 2013 grand final loss to Queenscliff, won the best-and-fairest the following year, and was good enough to earn selection in the Bellarine interleague team that played the Wimmera league in 2015.
He was named in Drysdale’s 2010-19 Team of the Decade and finished runner-up in the Bellarine reserve grade best-and-fairest, the Don Cole Medal, in 2024.
Hopgood played his most recent senior match in the Round 6 loss to Barwon Heads before rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in early June.
“As you can imagine, the road in front of Josh and his family will be incredibly challenging, and we’re asking our Brown & Gold family to rally around one of our own,” a post on Drysdale’s Facebook page said.
“Hoppy has given so much to our club over so many years. Let’s show him what being part of the Drysdale family is all about.
“We’re all behind you, Hoppy.”
