Eight West Coast Eagles ventured up the road to Princess Margaret Hospital last week to help some little battlers and their families celebrate the festive season.

Elliot Yeo, Jack Darling, Brad Sheppard, Mark Hutchings, Luke Partington, Matt Allen, Willie Rioli and Fraser McInnes joined more than 150 children for the hospital’s annual Christmas Barbecue, which was held in the PMH Megazone.

The players posed for photos, signed autographs and played games with the children, who were all thrilled to see some of their favourite sporting heroes in the flesh.

Yeo said he had a blast at the event.

“Some of these kids are doing it tough at the moments, so it was great to see them all enjoying themselves so much,” Yeo said.

“It’s a pretty special knowing that you can make someone’s day by playing a video game with them or signing their shirt. It was a perfect way to start the festive season.”

After entertaining the masses in the Megazone, Hutchings and McInnes made their way to the hospital’s oncology ward to visit some fans who couldn’t make the barbecue.

McInnes said he had a great time entertaining the children and talking to their families.

“At this time of year it’s great for the families to have a few players popping up here to brighten up their day and giving them a positive outlook on the year,” McInnes said.

“There was a bit of face painting going on, a few ball sports and a bit of basketball. They were putting on a bit of a feed and there was some live music. It’s a good little environment to be around.

“The kids definitely enjoy you coming up and the parents take heaps out of it as well.”