The St Kilda Football Club and the Danny Frawley Centre (DFC) are once again joining forces to raise awareness and funds for mental health. The two organisations today announced the launch of the third annual Spud’s Game: A Match for Mental Health, a special event dedicated to the legacy of St Kilda great, Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley.
Scheduled for Friday, June 23, at Marvel Stadium, St Kilda will face off against the Brisbane Lions. The event aims to surpass previous fundraising records for mental health initiatives run through the DFC.
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 01: Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula and Federal Senator the Honourable Jane Hume unveil a portrait of Danny Frawley during the Danny Frawley Centre Launch at Moorabbin Reserve on March 01, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. The Centre will aim to improve physical and mental health for athletes. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/Getty Images)
“Spud’s Game has become a pivotal part of the annual AFL calendar,” said Simon Lethlean, CEO of St Kilda. “It’s not just about football; it’s about uniting the community in support of vital mental health programs run by the DFC. This year, we want to rally our passionate Saints crowd and pack the stands to continue the important work started by the Frawleys.”
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Kirstan Corben, Executive Director of the DFC, expressed that Spud’s Game is the premier opportunity to accelerate the community impact of the centre. “Over the past two years, we’ve raised more than $1 million, and the results have been immediate,” she stated. “Unfortunately, 2 in 5 Australians will experience mental ill-health in their lifetime. Our goal at the DFC is to change this narrative by offering life-long skills and support related to wellbeing.”
Since its inception just over a year ago, the DFC has made considerable strides. Welcoming over 700 new members, facilitating more than 200 programs, and engaging upwards of 8,000 people, the Centre’s reach spans secondary students, sports clubs, AFL athletes, and corporate entities.
Danny Frawley’s wife, Anita, expressed her gratitude towards the AFL community for their continued support. “This is a cause close to our family’s heart. We’ve seen first-hand the damaging effects of mental illness, but also the significant difference early intervention and supportive communities can make,” she said. “We hope this game serves as a reminder that no one should face these struggles alone.”
In light of its recent confirmation as a deductible charity, DFC can now deliver an even more substantial community impact. All donations exceeding $2 to the Centre are tax deductible, providing an additional incentive for supporters to contribute to this vital cause.
The message from St Kilda and the DFC is clear – they are counting on a sea of Saints fans to come together for Spud’s Game: A Match for Mental Health. This is more than just a game; it’s an opportunity for the entire community to stand together and make a difference in the world of mental health. And they need you to be a part of it.
