ANY football fan fondly remembers the first game they ever attended, but few would have had a more memorable experience than Josh Meredith.

20-year-old Josh, who has Down’s syndrome, autism and diabetes is a lifelong Saints fan who attended his first game in Sydney last weekend.

Not only did he attend the game, but he also had a special meet and greet with his idol Nick Riewoldt in the lead-up to the match.

Josh’s game day routine is as rigid as any of the players. He is known to place his St Kilda clothes on the couch and chat incessantly about the upcoming match. But once the ball is bounced, Josh remains transfixed on the TV screen and refuses to speak to anyone around him.

But that routine had to go out the window last week, when he attended the SCG and received a signed jumper from the St Kilda captain.

Josh could not suppress the smile from his face as Riewoldt asked him all about his love for the Saints.

It was fair to say the conversation was a little one-sided as the normally vociferous Josh became a little tongue-tied around his hero but the memories of the day are sure to last with him for a lifetime.