Kalin, who has battled rhabdomysarcoma, a soft tissue cell form of cancer, for the last two years, was flown to Sydney for the match, along with his parents and two siblings, courtesy of the Make a Wish Foundation.
The 14-year-old, who has been limited to watching the Swans play live once or twice a year when the team travels to Perth, confessed that it had always been his dream to watch the Swans play at the SCG alongside thousands of red and white fans.
“I wanted to come here just to see Sydney play at their home ground and to see all the red and white here at the SCG,” Kalin told SwansTV on Thursday night.
“I wanted to see the home ground advantage instead of just seeing purple and white or yellow and blue.
“I really like seeing the red and white.”
Not only did Kalin celebrate the Swans’ 110-point victory over the Cats at the SCG, he was also granted an all-access pass to the team’s closed training session last Tuesday afternoon.
The teenager showed off his football skills on the SCG, and also had the chance to catch up with many of the Swans, including his favourite player, Ted Richards.
“It was really good to see some of my idols and speak to them,” Kalin said.
“It was great, it was awesome.
“I like all of the players, but if I had to choose one it would probably be Teddy.
“He’s just very strong in the back line and he’s just very good.”
Originally from Sydney, Kalin and his family have been long-time supporters of the Swans and came into contact with the club two seasons ago at an open training session in Perth.
After striking up a friendship with many at the club, including a special relationship with former Swans star Jude Bolton, the club arranged for Kalin to attend the 2012 AFL Grand Final with his father and brother.
While the Grand Final was without a doubt one the highlights of Kalin’s life, his mother Brigitte said stepping out onto the SCG last week was another unforgettable moment for her son.
“To be able to step onto the SCG rather than just watch the players run out was something special and that’s been the highlight of his trip,” Brigitte said.
“He’s done a lot of things this week, but actually stepping onto the SCG and kicking the football was the highlight.
“For us to see him do that was a really special moment.”
Brigitte said Kalin, who unfortunately suffered a relapse late last year, would never forget his experience in Sydney.
“My son has spent the last two years fighting a battle against cancer,” she said.
“It’s his second time trying to beat it and he’s just relapsed recently in late November.
“It was his wish when he was first diagnosed to come and watch his beloved Sydney Swans play on the home ground, so it’s a dream come true for him to see Sydney run out on the SCG.”
