Organisers expect to have raised more than $50,000 for Hanlon after a successful AFL grand final day event.

North Wagga coach Kirk Hamblin, who is part of the fundraising committee, was blown away by people’s generosity.

“It was a great day,” Hamblin said.

“We had a really good turnout and everyone was very generous with the money they put in at the auctions.

“We couldn’t have been happier with the way it turned out. From three and a half months ago when we first had the idea, to how it worked out (on Saturday) was amazing and the amount of support shown by everyone is just phenomenal.”

Hanlon’s life was turned upside down in June when he was rushed to intensive care just two days after again playing a leading role in a North Wagga victory on the football field.

His vital organs shut down after the spread of the common bacteria, Strep A. For several days, Hanlon fought for his life before his condition was declared stable.

Blood clots to his arm and legs during the process resulted in the amputation of his right hand and both feet.

But the 21-year-old has shown incredible determination, resolve and courage to not let what happened bring him down and he provided the most powerful moment on Farrer League grand final day a couple of weeks ago when he walked to the centre of the ground to toss the coin. 

Hanlon was in attendance at McPherson Oval on Saturday and thanked the community for their support.

“Josh got up and did a good speech. You could have heard a pin drop while he spoke,” Hamblin said.

“He and his mum Leanne spoke. They thanked everyone and just said how grateful they were for what everyone’s done for them.

“Josh is getting better and better every time we see him. He’s working hard on his physio and moving around freely now.”

A solar system proved the most popular auction item and fetched about $6500. A lifetime membership to Flexit Gym was also a big money earner and was sold for about $2600.

A signed guernsey of AFL premiers West Coast went under the hammer shortly after the final siren and earned about $1650.

A number of other guernseys made over $1000 each.

Hamblin still it was too early to tell exactly how much was raised from the day but he is confident it will be well over $50,000.

“It’s too soon to know the final amount but it will be more than $50,000,” he said.

People travelled from right across the state to attend Saturday’s fundraiser.

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