St Kilda Football Club, in partnership with Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, is proud to announce that Maddie’s Match will make its return to the football fixture this year as the Saints take on the Tigers in Round 3 at Marvel Stadium.

This year’s game will be particularly significant, marking the 10th anniversary and final Maddie’s Match.

The difficult decision to make this year’s game the last was made as the club deepens its charitable focus on mental health, headlined by key initiatives such as Spud’s Game and the Danny Frawley Centre.

Maddie’s Match was first introduced to the footballing calendar in 2015 following the passing of Maddie Riewoldt, sister of club great Nick, who sadly lost her five-year battle with the Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome, Aplastic Anaemia, in 2015.

“Since that very first game, the support from not only the Saints fans but also the wider football community has been nothing short of incredible,” Nick Riewoldt said.

“This match has always been a special one for me, and as a family and a foundation we can’t thank everyone enough for helping us raise awareness, fund research, and support patients and families who need it most.”

Over the past decade, donations through the game have surpassed $1.2 million to support the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes.

“Since the inception of Maddie’s Vision, St Kilda has provided an incredible platform to reach the AFL community, raising vital funds for research, while increasing awareness of Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes and supporting patients and families across Australia,” Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision Chief Executive Officer Amy Coote said.

St Kilda CEO Carl Dilena said Round 3 was the perfect time to send Maddie’s Match off in a matter befitting the cause.

“As a club we’re really proud to have played a role in furthering the research into Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes, while also supporting families through money-can’t-buy experiences both at games and around the club,” Dilena said.

“While our support is transitioning away from a game day presentation, the community still has ample opportunity to continue to support this valuable work through the many other initiatives the Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision team conducts throughout the year.”

Tickets for Maddie’s Match, as well as the rest of the games between rounds 1 and 15 at Marvel Stadium and the MCG, go on sale this Tuesday 18 February at 12pm for members and Wednesday 19 February at 12pm for non-members.

For more information head to maddiesmatch.org.au