North Melbourne has committed an additional $50,000 towards the fundraising efforts for the Australian bushfire disaster.
The donation is on top of the $10,000 already pledged by the club’s AFL and AFLW players last week.
On Thursday, the AFL announced a $2.5 million donation, inclusive of contributions from the league ($1.35m), clubs ($900,000) and the AFL Players Association ($250,000).
A total of $1m will provide immediate emergency assistance through the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery fund. An additional $1.5m will kickstart the Community Relief Fund for grassroots facilities.
A landmark State Of Origin match has also been scheduled, with Victoria playing an All Stars line-up on Friday February 28.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick will lead the Victorians and Sydney counterpart John Longmire will coach the All Stars in the match to be staged at Marvel Stadium.
The game – to be played during the second weekend of the pre-season March Community Series – will see players selected in a process still to be determined.
There will be a maximum of three players per AFL club eligible to take part in the match to ensure minimal disruption to club's pre-season plans just 20 days before round one.
League chief executive Gillon McLachlan said he was blown away by the reaction to the cause.
"Our industry is heartbroken by the devastation that the fires are causing around the country and our clubs and players have suggested a number of initiatives where we can support affected communities in the short and longer term as they deal with the aftermath of these fires, he said.
"A game of footy can't change what has happened but it is a way for all of our clubs, our players and our fans to acknowledge the incredible sacrifice that so many have made in battling the fires and to support those communities that have been impacted by the bushfires.
"We know that those communities are suffering now but they are also going to need our support as they start to rebuild. Sport builds bonds within communities and we want people to know they have the support of the entire football industry and that we will be there to help them rebuild facilities and programs and ensure people continue to come together.
"The State of Origin game will help raise further funds to support that ongoing rebuild.
"I want to thank our players and clubs for their commitment to doing something substantial that raises money and clearly demonstrates the support to the local football communities of those areas impacted.
"Our clubs and our AFL and AFLW players are also working on a number of other initiatives to raise money and to support those communities in need and we will continue to work with them over the coming weeks and months to continue to coordinate our efforts.
"On behalf of the AFL community, I also want to thank firefighters, members of the have given up their time – and in some cases their lives – to protect others. We are grateful for what you have done for our community."
AFLW teams will support the fundraising efforts by housing donation collecting points at matches in the upcoming season, starting February 7.
