Kangaroo players will host football clinics in Devonport on Friday, in support of Saturday's tribute match for the families and communities of Hillcrest Primary School following December's tragic accident.
Devonport Oval will host Hawthorn v Richmond in the tribute match to be played as part of the 2022 AAMI Community Series at 1.10pm AEDT on Saturday, March 5.
Ahead of the match on Friday, Kangaroos Aaron Hall, Phoenix Spicer, Aiden Bonar, Perri King, Elisha King and Ella Maurer will attend footy clinics for students and children at local schools in Devonport.
North Melbourne, Hawthorn and Richmond players will also come together to host a football clinic for the local Devonport community.
The clinic will be from 4-5pm on Friday afternoon at Girdlestone Park in East Devonport.
North Melbourne CEO Ben Amarfio said the club's thoughts remained with the Hillcrest community.
"The Hillcrest Primary School community have remained in our thoughts since that tragic day in December.
"We've had a decade-long relationship with Tasmania. Some of our senior staff and 12 players across our men's and women's teams are from Tassie, so it's an extra special place for us. We are honoured to be involved in this initiative.
"While we can't heal the pain, we hope to offer some support, a little respite and hopefully put some smiles on the faces of those affected."
Other initiatives surrounding the tribute match include:
- Post-match at Devonport Oval will see a special music act by local Tasmanian artist Luca Brasi, followed by interviews with Hawthorn and Richmond players and other special guests
- Healing for Hillcrest: Supporting the Hillcrest Primary School Community fundraising dinner will be held at Devonport's paranaple convention centre on the Saturday evening following the match. Club presidents, CEOs, footballers, and special guests will be in attendance at the dinner with items from AFL clubs and other sporting memorabilia to be auctioned.
- All funds raised from the tribute match and activity surrounding the game will go directly to the Hillcrest Community Public Fund.
How to help the Hillcrest community
Supporters wishing to make a donation to the Hillcrest Community Public Fund can do so here.
