This week, the Blues have joined forces with the AFL and the 17 other clubs in support of DonateLife Week.

DonateLife Week endeavours to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation by encouraging people across the nation to join the Australian Organ Donor Register, and make their organ donation decision count.

At Etihad Stadium on Thursday, Blues youngster Cameron Polson joined Geelong’s Tom Lonergan, Essendon’s Joe Daniher, North Melbourne’s Jarrad Waite and AFL chief executive officer Gillon McLachlan, to launch Round 20 in support of the cause.

“The AFL and all 18 AFL Clubs have partnered with the Australian Government, through the Organ and Tissue Authority, to support DonateLife Week during Round 20 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season,” AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said.

“Our game reaches all corners of Australia – with over 1.4 million people playing the game across 14,772 community footy teams on top of our 18 AFL Clubs and eight AFLW Clubs – we feel we can make a difference this weekend to the lives of the many Australians needing life-saving transplants.”

On the eve of the round, Blues defender and DonateLife Week ambassador Liam Jones emphasised the importance of organ donation, urging all Carlton supporters to discuss their donation decision with their loved ones.

“With over 1,400 Australians and their families waiting for a transplant, the decision to become an organ donor is an extremely important step to help save the lives of others,” Jones said.

“I urge all fans to discuss their decision to donate with their family and friends and encourage others to do the same.”

You can make your decision count during DonateLife Week, by joining the Australian Organ Donor Register online or via registration booths at venues in Victoria, ACT, Queensland and South Australia.

For more information, visit donatelife.gov.au.