HAWTHORN and St Kilda will play each other twice in eight days after coming together to arrange a practice match and fundraiser for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal in Morwell.
The two clubs are scheduled to meet in the first week of the Marsh Community Series on Thursday, February 20, before the scratch match in the state's bushfire-hit east on Friday, February 28.
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While entry to the "Emergency Services" themed game will be free, the clubs are encouraging fans to donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
It will be held on the same day as the AFL-arranged State of Origin match between Victoria and the All Stars at Marvel Stadium.
Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett announced the game in his regular letter to club members.
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"The match will be an opportunity to thank local firefighters, emergency services workers and volunteers, while Beyond Blue and Headspace will be on the ground to provide mental health advice and techniques for those who have been impacted," Kennett said.
"We encourage footy fans from around the country to make a day of it and support the Gippsland community by visiting cafes and retailers before heading to the match.
"In round three on Saturday 4 April, we will be staging our second annual Emergency Services Match, presented by BankVic, when we take on Collingwood at the MCG.
"This was a great success last year and both clubs will build on that success this year. More details will follow in the weeks to come but please, pencil in the date. It will be a great game for a great cause."
