SHOW UP for your mates. better together.
Donate today.
SUNDAY 9 AUGUST, MARVEL STADIUM
Spud’s Game is more than a footy match - it’s a movement to change the game on mental health. Inspired by the legacy of Danny “Spud” Frawley, this annual event brings the AFL community together to start the conversations that matter and break the stigma around mental ill-health.
Every year, we rally behind a simple truth: no one has to carry it alone. Funds raised through Spud’s Game power mental fitness programs, research, and prevention by Danny Frawley Community, part of Black Dog Institute, to support grassroots clubs, schools and communities.
Together, we can turn the roar of the crowd into real-world impact.
Show up for your mates. Spud’s Game – Better together.
Why your
support matters
Suicide remains one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time. Each year, too many lives are lost, and behind every statistic are families, friends, and communities forever changed.
For the first time in history, we’re passing down worse mental health outcomes to the next generation.
1 in 5 Australians experienced a mental illness in the past year. That is more than 4.3 million people.
75% of mental health issues begin before the age of 25. Investing in prevention, mental fitness and early intervention helps people develop the skills and support they need to stay well and get help early.
Get Involved and be part of
Spud's Community Games 2026
Show up for your community. Bring Spud's Game to your local football club or school, and help carry on Danny "Spud" Frawley's legacy while raising vital funds for mental health initiatives at the Danny Frawley Centre.
register
It's free to host. Sign up your football club or school to run a Spud's Game in your community and set a fundraising goal to work towards.
rally your community
Share your club's fundraising page with players, families, and local supporters. Every dollar raised supports DFC programs in suicide prevention, positive masculinity, and tackling race-based discrimination, so get your teammates, friends, and family behind it.
host your match
In the lead-up to game day, keep your community engaged with club activities and fundraising pushes. Then come together to play Spud's Game and show up for mental health, just like Danny did.
in honour of
danny ‘SPUD’ frawley
Danny Frawley was an advocate for many great things. A good laugh and time with mates were undoubtedly among them, but getting on the front foot when the going got tough was what he was most passionate about.
In 2021, St Kilda Football club hosted its first-ever Spud’s Game - a tribute match in honour of our late, great, mate.
Five games on, it has grown into the AFL’s marquee match for mental health, raising vital funds for mental health programs and research delivered by Danny Frawley Community, part of Black Dog Institute.
