With Natimuk United holding an unassailable lead in the last quarter of the Horsham District league match, the Rams' players took it upon themselves to provide a spark of joy for one young Jeparit-Rainbow footballer.

Natimuk United gave the ball to Dustin Eckermann, 10, inside the forward 50, allowing the youngster to boot the Storm's first goal of the match and his first goal in under-14s.

"I was excited and thankful that the Natimuk people let me get the goal and helped me out," Dustin said.

"Especially their number seven (Kaiden Sudholz) who gave it to me - (it was) brilliant getting that goal."

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Dustin's mother Belinda said it was a fantastic display of sporstmanship.

"He was proud as punch about it - I saw the photo and the expression on his face was just like pure joy, and to see the Natimuk player behind him smiling as well," Belinda said.

"You don't see that very often. They went out of their way to help another team, and I was so proud of those kids for being able to do that."

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Jeparit-Rainbow coach Brad Fisher said the Natimuk United players made the decision themselves.

"It was great by Natimuk - and the kids did that off their own bat, they weren't encouraged to do it by the coach or anything which is pretty great," Fisher said.

"We've got a really young group. We've only got two kids in the top two age-groups, so every club has been great at helping us out when we've played against htem.

"It's great to see."