A group of Essendon players have delivered an early Christmas present to a special group of children. 

Given some brief respite from training, Michael Hartley, Orazio Fantasia, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Mark Baguley and Kyle Langford spent time with children from ‘Challenge’.

The not-for-profit organisation delivers daily support to children and families living with cancer.

The players spent the morning enjoying handball competitions, colouring in and learning about the journeys of the kids and their families.

“The boys and I thought that it was only a couple of days until Christmas and we could go and spread some Christmas cheer to some kids,” Hartley said.

The Bombers defender initiated the visit through the Club’s Community Department.

“It feels awesome. They are having a bit of a tough time at the moment, so it’s awesome to see them smiling and having a good time with us,” he said.

Orazio Fantasia, showed his ‘artistic flair’ extends beyond the football field, proving a natural in the colouring activities.

“The boys – ‘Langers’, myself, ‘Walla’ and ‘Bags’ - just seized the opportunity to help the kids out and make their day,” Fantasia said.

“It is good to see how happy the kids are when they get to meet some of their idols, like Walla.

“Just being able to put a smile on their face makes it all worthwhile.”

CEO of Challenge, David Rogers, said the opportunity to meet the players would help the kids with their ongoing treatment.

“They are thinking about it first, so they get excited about coming, then they come, and after they have been here they get some gifts and photos so they will have these memories forever,” Rogers said.

“All these children here are going through treatment at the moment

“Some of these kids will go off to the hospital now to continue with their treatment.

“So (the players coming) gets them all up and excited and hopefully the treatment isn’t as hard as it can be.”