Two of the NTFA's Premier Division clubs will come together to raise awareness for mental health as they take part in the second annual Make Runs Maxi cup.
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Deloraine play host to Longford in the clash, with both sides having Isaac 'Maxi' Walters on their playing lists and in their lives prior to his passing in March 2017.
Since then, the Make Runs Maxi not-for-profit charity has campaigned to enhance social and emotional well-being led by former Launceston live-wire Rulla Kelly-Mansell.
The founder and director of Make Runs Maxi is currently playing for Glenelg in South Australia's SANFL competition and having coached Walters in under-19s and grown up in Deloraine, the message is one close to his heart.
"With mental health it seems to be we have much more support and support networks than what we've had in the past," Kelly-Mansell said.
"The progression is we have a society that engages in charities, businesses, events and people who are stepping in the right direction to help implement solutions.
"How we do that is change our attitudes, so while the day may mean a lot to some and less to more, what happens when the day completes and we go back to our everyday lives is important."
Longford have the wood over their opponents heading into the match-up, carrying the cup into battle with a win in the inaugural showing last season and downing the Kangaroos to the tune of 37 points earlier this year but Deloraine's Lochy Dornauf is looking forward to the game and projecting the message that comes with it.
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"I think football clubs and sporting clubs in general are the perfect place to encourage that conversation about mental and physical health," Dornauf said.
"So the opportunity to show our talents on a day like this doesn't go unnoticed for our football club. Obviously Maxi was a big part for us and Longford as well so we all want to come out and show our talent.
"We were soundly beaten by Longford in round three so I think we have a lot to prove, a good young group and it's all about finishing the season in the right way."
Longford forward and NTFA representative team-mate Jackson Blair echoed Dornauf's sentiments.
"Young men need to know that they can speak up and they can have a chat to either a coach or a player, someone older or even just a mate, just to help sort out their issues because everyone's got a reason to be here and it's a disappointing thing but hopefully we can get some good things come out of it," he said.
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Josh Partridge
As a sports-mad fan who loves to remain challenged, sports journalism always seemed the path for me and it's allowed me to do things I never thought possible. A keen racquet sports player, I'm experienced in that field, allowing me to do my job at a strong standard.
As a sports-mad fan who loves to remain challenged, sports journalism always seemed the path for me and it's allowed me to do things I never thought possible. A keen racquet sports player, I'm experienced in that field, allowing me to do my job at a strong standard.
