He may be six years away from the legal driving age, but Ryan Queale has never been more excited after winning a brand new Mazda3 in North Melbourne’s major raffle.

The 12-year-old’s winning ticket was bought by his grandfather, Robert, a loyal Kangaroos’ supporter for the last 63 years. The rest is history.

“When he first found out he won the car he was rolling on the floor laughing, he was so excited,” Ryan’s mother Julie said.

Fittingly, Ryan and his family picked up a brand new Mazda3 on Thursday, the day the long-time North Melbourne partner announced it had signed-on with the club for a further three years.

During a 15-year partnership with the Kangaroos, Mazda has been rewarding not only the club, but its supporters. In the case of Ryan, who barracks for the Bulldogs, that generosity may just be able to change his stripes.

“North Melbourne has always been Ryan’s second favourite team, however after this he is seriously considering saving up his pocket money for both Bulldogs and Kangaroos’ memberships,” his proud mum added.  

Ryan’s parents will be lucky enough to take his new car for a spin until he’s old enough to drive, but the youngster has already set some strict guidelines.

“He has told us that he must be sitting in the front seat at all times and that we have to listen to his music,” Julie joked.

“We’d just love to thank Mazda and North Melbourne for his new car and cannot wait to drive it.”