NORTH Melbourne footballers are putting their money where their mouth is as they prepare to step out in the AFL's inaugural Good Friday match.
The Kangaroos have doubled their contribution to the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal from $5000 last year to $10,000 in response to their involvement in the historic game.
Match preview: North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
The money is part of AFL players' $50 charity contribution each match, with half going to the AFL Players' Association's official charity, Ladder, which helps combat youth homelessness.
The rest goes to the AFL Players Care fund, which is then split between the clubs for them to direct to charities of their choice.
North Melbourne utility Jamie Macmillan, a member of the club's leadership group, said the "significance" of playing on Good Friday was behind the players' decision.
"It's exciting and we actually spoke about it early in the week – is it a bigger game than normal or is it not?" Macmillan told reporters.
"At the end of the day, it's for four points, but, obviously, it's a first for not only footy but us as well, so we're looking forward to it and Friday probably can't come quick enough.
"Hopefully we can put on a good show on Friday and link up with the Good Friday Appeal and raise a bit of money for the cause."
The Appeal is the largest fundraiser for the Royal Children's Hospital and goes towards paying for state-of-the-art equipment and technology, research, programs and family centre care.
A record $17,445,624 was raised for the Good Friday Appeal last year and more than $310 million in total since it began in 1931.
More than $150,000 worth of prizes can be won in The Great Good Friday Appeal Raffle, with first prize being a brand-new Mazda CX-9 Azami AWD ($70,212).
Tickets cost $10 and can be bought at www.goodfridayappeal.com.au. Winners will be drawn at 9pm on Good Friday.
Good Friday Appeal bunny ears will be on sale for $5.
People can donate online at www.goodfridayappeal.com.au or call 1300 277 325 on Good Friday between 9am and midnight.
North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs will face off at 4.20pm AEST at Etihad Stadium on Good Friday.
