Medibank transforms every goal at Spud’s Game into support towards mental fitness

Brendan Fevola, Stewart Loewe, Jane Bunn and Marmalade set to headline The Hardest Kick, turning every kick, goal and donation into meaningful support for mental health and wellbeing.

Medibank is strengthening its commitment to mental fitness through its partnership with Spud's Game, supporting one of football's most significant community moments to encourage Australians to prioritise meaningful connection and mental wellbeing.

The sixth annual Spud’s Game, which will take place at Marvel Stadium on 9 August, is Australian sport’s largest fundraising event for mental health and this year will see the AFLW and AFL join forces in Marvel Stadium’s first ever double header.

As the official health partner of Spud's Game and a proud health partner of the AFLW, Medibank is bringing its mental fitness platform to life through a series of game-day activations and fundraising initiatives designed to remind Australians that fitness isn't just physical.

The partnership reflects Medibank's broader focus on preventative mental health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on helping Australians build meaningful connections, stay engaged with their communities and adopt small everyday behaviours that support wellbeing.

At this year's Spud's Game, Medibank will support fundraising for the Danny Frawley Community and Black Dog Institute through a series of donation initiatives.

Throughout both the Spud’s Game AFLW and AFL matches, Medibank will donate $1,000 for every goal scored to the Danny Frawley Community, part of Black Dog Institute, helping turn every goal into tangible support for mental fitness initiatives.

Taking centre stage on game day will be The Hardest Kick, where Brendan Fevola, Stewart Loewe, Jane Bunn and Joel Eyles (DJ Checkers) will put their goal-kicking skills to the test in support of a worthy cause.

The challenge will see each participant attempt to kick a goal from one of four spots inside the 50 metre arc.

Supporters can donate to help their chosen Hardest Kick participant secure the best position, with the participant who raises the most money for the Danny Frawley Community and Black Dog Institute earning first choice of kicking spot.

Fans can support their chosen Hardest Kick participant by visiting the Hardest Kick donation page and donating before Saturday 8 August.

Every kick within the Hardest Kick challenge will contribute additional funds to the fundraising tally, with Medibank donating:

• $1,000 for every goal
• $500 for every behind
• $150 for every miss

Medibank will also introduce the Medibank Interchange Bench, a dedicated space at Marvel Stadium designed to encourage fans to pause, connect and take a moment for their own mental fitness.

Inspired by one of football's most recognisable places of rest and reset, the activation will invite fans to call or text a loved one, check in with someone they care about, and reflect on the importance of staying connected.

A range of soon to be announced high-profile St Kilda players are set to make appearances on the Medibank Interchange Bench alongside Jane Bunn and Riley Srey (Marmalade).

Medibank Group Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Wilson said: “At Medibank, we want to help Australians think about their mental fitness in the same way they think about their physical fitness – as something that can be supported through small, everyday actions.”

“Our partnership with Spud’s Game is about bringing that preventative health message to life in a place where connection already happens so naturally.

“Footy has a powerful ability to bring people together, whether that’s families, friends, teammates or entire communities, and those moments of connection can play an important role in helping people feel supported, included and less alone,” Dr Wilson said.

The Hardest Kick is one of several initiatives designed to spark conversations and raise vital funds on game day.

For long-time St Kilda fan Jane Bunn, being involved is an opportunity to honour Spud's legacy while backing an important cause.

“As a massive Saints supporter, Spud’s Game is really special to me because it brings people together around footy, community and a cause that matters,” said Ms Bunn.

“If taking part in The Hardest Kick helps encourage more people to think about their own mental fitness, or simply reach out to someone in their life, I’m really proud to be part of it.”