In the lead up to the 23rd Peter Mac Cup clash between Carlton and Collingwood on Saturday, Blues defender Michael Jamison paid a special visit to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Peter Mac is Australia’s only public hospital solely dedicated to caring for people with cancer, cancer research and cancer education, so raising awareness and funds each year though this special match is very important.

‘Jamo’ met with staff and patients at Peter Mac on Tuesday, putting a smile on the faces of plenty of Blues supporters.

He said it was a humbling experience.

“It really puts things into perspective and at this time of year it’s fantastic to get down here to Peter Mac and see some of the patients,” he said.

One of those patients is 17-year-old Chiana Harrell, who’s been attending the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre for the past year.

“Chiana is fantastic – she’s a ripper,” Jamison said.

Chiana, who’s on the mend, received an extra surprise when she was given tickets to see Carlton play Collingwood this weekend at the MCG.

“She was really happy to come along and even bring her Collingwood-supporting mum!” Jamison said.

“I can’t wait to see her in the rooms after the game.”

Jamison will be hoping Chiana walks into the winners rooms as Carlton strives to recapture its form after a few disappointing losses to Hawthorn and North Melbourne.

“It would be nice just to get back on the winners list, but to do it against the old arch enemy would be fantastic,” Jamison said.

Collingwood needs to defeat the Blues to have any hope of keeping its finals aspirations alive, while a Carlton win would almost certainly rule the Pies out of September action – and Jamison says that’s extra incentive for his team.

“If we can put a little road bump in their preparation then we’ll take that,” he said.

The Collingwood v Carlton match kicks off at 1:45pm on Saturday afternoon. Be sure to dig deep as the match is raising funds for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.