THIS week’s match between St Kilda and Geelong will coincide with the launch of the Casey Tutungi appeal.

Casey who is player and co-coach of the South Barwon Football Club has been diagnosed a quadriplegic suffering severe spinal cord damage at the C4/C5 junction, the result of an injury he sustained in the last minutes of the game against St Joseph’s last month, in the Geelong Football League.

Tutungi is a former Geelong VFL-listed player, and has won numerous awards during his career, playing for Lorne, Springvale, Geelong and South Barwon clubs and various representative sides.

Football and netball clubs across the State will come together this weekend to hold a variety of fundraising activities for Tutungi.

Geelong is using the round 18 game against the Saints at Simonds Stadium to launch the Casey Tutungi appeal to aid the 27-year-old in his recovery and rehabilitation.

100 special jumpers bearing Casey’s player number CT56 have been signed by the entire playing group and are for sale on the Geelong website for $1000 each.

St Kilda has also donated signed memorabilia to be auctioned, with the proceeds to go to the fund. The Saints will also have a message acknowledging Tutungi on its banner as the team takes to the field on Saturday night.

St Kilda midfielder Jack Steven grew up with Tutungi in coastal Victoria played in two senior premierships together at Lorne.

Steven asked that football fans to donate to the worthy cause.

“I was in shock when I heard the news about Casey and I really hope the football community rallies around him. Growing up, I always looked up to Casey and was proud to play in two senior premierships with him at Lorne,” Steven said.

“Casey is a very kind and loving person and is always enjoyable to be around. I’d urge everyone to dig deep and help however they can.”

Casey’s father Chris Tutungi said he had been overwhelmed with the support the family had received since Casey’s injury.

“We've been totally stunned by the response of the community. The football community especially has got right behind Casey and I think that is testament to how Casey is regarded in the sporting fraternity and the respect he has earned in the way he plays the game,” Chris Tutungi said.

“He has been a wonderful ambassador for the game and his four Best and Fairest Awards and the other accolades he has received for courage and determination over his playing career bear this out.” Chris said.

Geelong is offering prizes to the 10 local football clubs who can raise the most money this coming weekend for the Casey Tutungi Future Fund to win a unique inner sanctum experience with the club.

Further details can be found here.