The annual Redkite Celebrity game was held on Sunday prior to the Swans clash with Carlton and was a success both on and off the field

The seventh annual contest was again an enjoyable and memorable event. From the children Redkite support through to the celebrities who competed in the curtain raiser football match, everyone united in their goal to help children and families through the difficult journey of childhood cancer.

The event has so far raised over $14,000 in valuable funds to assist Redkite to continue supporting children and their families through cancer by providing emotional support, financial assistance and educational services.

Before the excitement of the celebrity and Swans games, oncology families gathered together to enjoy a lunch and a very special visit from Swans players Daniel O’Keefe and Peter Faulks, as well as from celebrities including Adam Spencer, Andrew O’Keefe, Alex Davies, Peter Phelps, Scott Dooley, Tom Williams, Shannon Noll, Chas & Craig from The Chaser, Ajay Rochester, Ian “Dicko” Dickson, Fuzzy, Humphrey B Bear and Kiteman.

Players and celebrities were a big hit with the Redkite families, signing autographs and having photos taken with the children. O’Keefe and Faulks judged a hotly contested banner competition and even though there could only be one winner, all the kids put in a great effort.

Decked out in the Redkite guernseys, the celebrities left the lunch to start their warm-up, before making their entrance onto the SCG.

Red team captain Adam Spencer, White team captain Andrew O’Keefe and a host of celebrities and athletes put their bodies, and careers, on the line for over 200 oncology family members and a strong crowd of AFL spectators.

Four goals were scored in the two halves of celebrity football, which included some effective tackles, a few ineffective kicks and lots of laughter. At the final siren, the red team came away with the win.

SCORE

Red: 4.2 (26)

White: 1.3 (9)

GOALS

Red: Scott Dooley 2, Tom Williams, Chris Gabardi

White: Guy Sebastian

REPORTS

Kiteman (Redkite’s mascot) made his debut at the SCG and almost caught the ball. 40 oncology children and their siblings formed a Guard of Honour for the Swans players as they entered the arena.

BEST

Scott Dooley showed composure in front of goal, as did Guy Sebastian. Fuzzy and Ajay Rochester were great on debut.

INJURIES

Guy Sebastian will be feeling the effects from the knock Shannon Noll put on him. Tom Williams has a questionable back injury after being slammed into the SCG turf.

CROWD

Just a few less than the 24,858 who turned up to see the Swans take on Carlton.