The father of a young footballer diagnosed with stage four melanoma after a routine scan has urged the sporting community to be vigilant about skin checks.
Kalamunda Cougars ruckman Josh Davis was sent to hospital after complications from a heavy knock to his ribs in a round one Perth Football League clash three weeks ago. Scans revealed lesions in his brain, lungs, and abdomen. After surgery, the 24-year-old began treatment on Friday at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital's oncology unit.
The family is hopeful that immunotherapy and radiation treatment can save their son, but the devastating effects of his cancer may leave him unable to complete a mechanical fitters apprenticeship. The Cougars have set up a GoFundMe page to support him.
Father's Plea for Vigilance
Josh's father, Mike, said: "It's so important to get yourself checked out, especially for men and women playing footy. I've been involved in footy all my life. I coached for many years and was president of Kalamunda Junior Football Club for five years, played ammos for many years, and as a family, we have always been involved in football, spending many hours outside."
"The Kalamunda Cougars have done so much in rallying around Josh and our family and also with the fundraising. I sent them a thank you message with a reminder to everybody to be vigilant for not only yourself but those around you to have your skin checked regularly."
"This all came about just from a small mole on Josh's back that he had removed two years ago. It was probably there for a while and not noticed. The important thing is always make sure you are getting your checks done. I'm guilty myself of not getting checked lately."
The Incident
Josh, a 196cm ruckman who was once on Swan Districts colts list before being cut down by a series of injuries, copped the knock to the ribs in the third quarter of the Cougars' opening round game. He played out the rest of the game and seemed fine initially. However, after driving himself home, he began slurring his words, vomiting, and his face started to droop. His mother raced him to the emergency department at Midland Hospital.
Mike explained: "It was lucky in a sense that he did cop that hit in the ribs and went in for the scan because he had bleeding on the brain and we would never have known about the cancer as he had no previous symptoms."
Previous Health Battles
After his son had a melanoma removed from his back and the top of his shoulder in 2024, it was followed by full body scans, biopsies, and regular check-ups. All had cleared him. However, a subsequent mole scan revealed the melanoma had spread. Josh had already missed seven months of work due to a knee reconstruction and a full season of footy in 2023. He was looking forward to returning to work and the field when the new diagnosis struck.
Mike noted: "Before this latest diagnosis, he had just worked his way back from a torn hamstring he tore six or seven weeks earlier and hadn't trained much. He lined up in the thirds for the Cougars and was hoping to work his way back into the twos and ones."
"I've got to say the oncologists and neurosurgeons and everyone at both Midland and Charles hospitals have been amazing."
Josh was born with Bell's palsy on his left side and has always been deaf on his left side. He has met those challenges along the way and managed to play football and work as a mechanical fitter apprentice.
Uncertain Future
Mike said his son had two months remaining on his apprenticeship. "He might not be able to complete it; he has damage to his arm and there is a risk of seizures. If it all goes well and he can go back to work, there will still be big changes to his life."
Josh, who has two siblings, won a premiership with Kalamunda colts in 2020 and has won the best clubman award. The club's GoFundMe page describes him as "the kind of teammate and friend everyone hopes to have — dependable, humble, and always there when it counts."
"Despite everything, Josh remains positive and determined to take on this battle with the same courage and resilience he's shown on the field. Josh and his family have already faced difficult times, and now they need our support more than ever. This devastating diagnosis has cut down a young man in his prime — someone who has given so much to his club, his mates, and his community. Now it's our turn to stand by him."
"Every donation, big or small, will help ease the financial burden and allow Josh to focus on what matters most — his treatment, recovery, and staying strong through this fight. Please support Josh Davis — a true clubman, a great mate, and a young man who deserves every chance to win this battle."
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/josh-davis-cancer-battle.
