FOR THE first time ever, Carlton will be part of the Good Friday SuperClash when it takes on North Melbourne.
A special game to be a part of, funds raised from the event will be donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital as part of the annual Good Friday Appeal.
Speaking at the Royal Children’s Hospital this morning, Sam Docherty acknowledged the privileged position Carlton is in to play on Good Friday and the ability the Club has to bring joy to others – as well as raising funds for the appeal and hospital.
“The privilege that we get to play on Good Friday - to be able to bring that joy to families that are doing it really tough - I definitely appreciate how important that is,” Docherty said.
“Knowing how good the facility is, how much great work [the hospital] does and our ability to be able to affect that in some way, in terms of the donation that we can raise, is hugely important.”
Docherty noted the importance of their inaugural Good Friday clash, saying the two teams are a ‘good fit’ to take on the headlining game.
What Docherty is sure of is that Carlton supporters will show up in droves to support the appeal – seeing firsthand the generous nature of the Navy Blue faithful.
“It’s a great occasion and I think it fits well with the two clubs that are in close proximity to the Royal Children’s Hospital and the work that both clubs put into this place [year round],” he said.
“We’re a very lucky footy club – we have great fans that bring great energy to games and we understand the significance of the way that we play.
“We’ve been incredibly lucky to be scheduled down for a few big games and our fans are repaying the faith to the AFL for putting us on them. Hopefully we can get a massive crowd there Friday, it will be an awesome moment in time to play our first Good Friday game with North Melbourne.”
There’s one moment in particular that Docherty is looking forward to on Friday: lining up against good friend, Ben Cunnington.
Having fought a similar health battle in recent years, Docherty and Cunnington grew close, supporting each other through tumultuous times: now, they're ready to come up against each other for the first time since their respective ordeals, on a day where there's a significant and sentimental tie-in.
“I was pretty rapt [when I found out] – Ben and I didn’t get to play on each other last year,” he said.
“To be able to play on a big occasion against each other – I’ve been quietly hoping neither of us would get injured in the first few rounds and make it through this week.”
$5 from every adult ticket will go towards the Good Friday Appeal: get your tickets here.
