The full forward, who missed the entire 2016 AFL season, was cleared of cancer in December after undergoing treatment for melanoma for the second time.

On Friday, the 29-year-old will pad up in Launceston for Ricky Ponting’s Biggest Game of Cricket – a fund raiser to help young Tasmanians and their families beat the disease. 

Roughead will line up with a Damien Fleming-led Hawthorn side against Ponting’s North Melbourne at UTas Stadium with many household names. All in support of a cause he knows too well.

“It’s a bit different because they’re kids but you’ve got a sense and understanding of what’s happened and what people are going through so I guess I can relate to them in a small way,” Roughead told The Examiner this week.

“We’re not going to be able to match every request and see every sick kid but if we can help out in this way, it’s fun but in the same way we know why we’re doing it.

“If some of these families can come and just enjoy the day and switch off from obviously tough times, hopefully we can put a smile on their face and make them not think about what they are going through.” It has been three years since 17,771 people turned out to farewell Ponting in his testimonial match with a who’s who of cricket – a day Roughead said he would never forget.

Roughead, a typical country lad where children play “footy in the winter and cricket in the summer”, played for Team Gilchrist and produced one of the game’s most memorable moments.

The 2013 Coleman Medalist smashed former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee for six.

Roughead made 21 before being caught by Ponting off a Stuart MacGill delivery and also picked up the wicket of South Launceston captain Alec Smith to finish with 1-13 off two overs.

“I would like to say it was a glimpse of what I’ve got but I’m a realist as well so I know it was probably pulled from the rear end,” Roughead said.

“It’s fair to say that over was one of the longest overs I have ever faced … the previous five (balls before the six) it took me one to know how to tee and two how to swing the bat.

“Come the sixth ball it was lucky I didn’t have to face him again because I don’t think he liked being hit for six. I consider myself a fan of the sport but a hack at both batting and bowling.”

In preparation for round two, Roughead said he and other teammates have dusted off the bat and ball in the past fortnight for some much needed practice.

“(Luke) Hodgey goes alright, Jack Gunston rates himself but whether or not he can produce it is another thing and the hometown boy Grant Birchall,” he said.

“There has been a little bit of practice going on but I wouldn’t say we’re going to set the world on fire, we’re going in with some low expectations and hoping to deliver.”

All proceeds from the game will remain in Tasmania with the state government pledging to match dollar-for-dollar every cent raised for the Ponting Foundation to distribute into its cancer and health related projects.

About 6000 tickets have been pre-sold with more than 10,000 fans expected to buy tickets at the gate.

Cricket Australia will live stream the game at cricket.com.au.