LOCAL Fremantle Dockers fan Larry Green got a special treat on Saturday when he met the club’s mascots. 
The surprise meeting took place in Perth’s Optus Stadium and was organised by Larry’s grandmother, Donna Davies. 
Larry, who is known as “Laz”, is autistic and non-verbal. 
Mrs Davies said he has supported the Dockers for 15 years and, now aged 24, meeting with the mascots was a memorable moment. 
“Laz loves the club mascots Johnny Docker and Jenny, although he really prefers Johnny Docker,” she said. 
“Every game sees him waiting along the fence line waiting to high-five the pair as they make their way around the oval. 
“We’re lucky our seats are only nine rows from the boundary. 
“When the Dockers played at the old Subiaco Oval, most games Larry was able to give Johnny a hug - Laz was smaller then and access to the ground was easier.”
Mrs Davies said Laz’s autism does not prevent him becoming immersed in the football experience.
“He loves the noisy, crowded football environment and in particular he loves the bus trip to Perth with the Collie Dockers Supporters Club,” she said.
“He also loves overseas and Australian travel - we call him ‘Mr Trains, Planes and Automobiles.’” 
Laz’s mum, Natalie, is an Eagles supporter, so he regularly attends football games with Donna and his grandfather, Steve.
Mrs Davies said the request to the Dockers for a meet and greet with the mascots was a smooth process.
“I had a thought at the previous game about asking the Freo Dockers if I could arrange for Laz to meet the two mascots,” she said.
“My request was answered the following day, saying that we could meet Johnny and Jenny in the newly established sensory room at Optus Stadium prior to the game against Richmond.
“The Dockers arranged a private meeting with Laz and the two mascots, with the Dockers bus members making a special effort to get us to the stadium in time.”
Mrs Davies said the meeting was a closely guarded secret in the lead up to the game.
“We didn’t tell Laz about the meeting - he’s been known to drive us mad about events if he’s told too early, plus we wanted it to be a surprise,” she said. 
“Laz couldn’t wipe the smile off his face all day.”
Mrs Davies said it was an exciting - and proud - moment for the family. 
“We’re all proud of the person Larry has become - he is really friendly, he loves new situations, he loves meeting new people and going to new places,” she said. 
“He epitomises the term ‘happy as Larry.’”