With North Melbourne once again taking part in this season’s Good Friday fixture, the Kick For The Kids, a delegation of players visited the Royal Children’s Hospital on Wednesday.

North takes on the Western Bulldogs in the round three clash, but the football takes a back seat in this fixture.

The game is used as an opportunity to raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal, with players from both teams jumping at the opportunity to put some smiles on the kids’ faces.

Jy Simpkin, Kayne Turner, Lachie Young, Charlie Comben and Jack Ziebell spent time visiting patients on the wards, before running a skills clinic and meet and greet session for the kids.

Turner said the event was a great way to raise awareness for the amazing jobs the staff and parents of the hospital are doing, in supporting the children.

“They do such a good job here, all the staff, the parents and the kids. It’s of massive importance to all of us to get that across,” Turner told North Media.

“It’s a great opportunity to raises awareness and money for the hospital … everyone here appreciates it so much.”

The Good Friday Appeal is a cause that sits close to the heart of North Melbourne Football Club, with the club playing on Good Friday since its inception in 2017, and lobbying for the game for many years previous.

Turner said the club welcomed the responsibility of playing in such an important and prestigious fixture so early in the season.

“It’s a massive occasion for our club being in that time slot, but the main importance of the game is just to raise awareness and money for the hospital,” he said.

“It’s one of the bigger games for the year for us, so we’re really hoping all the members and fans can get down and donate a bit of money while they’re there for a great cause.

“The more fans we can get there, the louder we’ll be … it’ll create a really good atmosphere and a really good day for our club and the hospital.”

Vice-captain Jy Simpkin echoed the sentiments of Turner, saying the players relish the opportunity to play on Good Friday.

“The club has obviously worked very hard to get this game for us,” Simpkin said.

“It’s probably our biggest game for the year outside of finals football.

“All the boys are really excited and we can’t wait to play on Good Friday.”

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Check out some of the best photos from the day below.