There is more to a football club than the 17 players you see run onto the field each week, and Kyran Fitzpatrick is the perfect example of that at the Burleigh Bears.
Affectionately known as "Killer," 17-year-old Kyran is a figure you'll see anywhere the Bears go. He's at every game, every training session and he treats the club like his family.
He made his first impression at the club in 2016 when the Merrimac State High School student attended Burleigh's Round 14 clash with the Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Pizzey Park.
The Bears won 32-10 that day and moved into the competition lead in what would become a premiership winning year. Kyran was instantly hooked and has been one of the club's most loyal followers ever since.
"I went there, and Burleigh won, and I went into the sheds afterwards to see what it was like and that's how the journey began," he said.
"The boys are like my family. They are a great bunch of people to be around. If I wasn't with them I don't know what I'd be doing. It's a great opportunity to work with a great bunch of guys and the Intrust Super Cup is a great competition that I love.
"The boys love me and look after me and I do whatever I need to do for them. It's the best job in the world. All I think about is being with those boys and helping them out."
Bears coach Jimmy Lenihan said that the club, and especially the playing group, quickly embraced Kyran and his enthusiasm for the team.
Initially, he started joining in on team songs on his own accord, now he is a recognised part of the team who participates in a variety of ways from filling water bottles at halftime to helping organise team uniforms before and after games.
"He's at every training session, every game, he's on the bus with us when we have trips up to Brisbane; he's everywhere," Lenihan said.
"Sometimes he'll get up the front of the bus and interview players - '60 seconds with Killer' - stuff like that. He's really good to have around. He's just become part of us."
Kyran has a great relationship with the entire playing group, but particularly with club captain Luke Page.
"Luke Page, he's my favourite, he even came to my year 12 induction night earlier this year," Kyran said.
"He and I have a great relationship and I look up to him as a role model. He's a great man to look up to and talk to. He's a smart, kind and respectful person and I love the way he plays his footy."
Like many Bears supporters, he is optimistic about Burleigh's chances in 2018. With just nine games left in the regular season, Burleigh share the competition lead with Townsville and have played some terrific football along the way.
As his high school graduation approaches, Kyran is hoping for a Bears premiership to cap off his year.
"I've heard everybody say that this is Burleigh's year and I agree with them," he said.
"This is my last year of high school, so if we can go through and win it that would make this a year to remember for the rest of my life."
*Kevin Braysher is a QRL correspondent covering the Burleigh Bears
