The Sydney Swans, Hawthorn and Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust are uniting this weekend to support the many farmers around the country doing it tough in Australia’s drought crisis. 

At Saturday night’s blockbuster match between Sydney and Hawthorn, members and supporters are encouraged to give generously to support Rural Aid’s Buy A Bale campaign to help Australian farmers in their time of need.

The Sydney Swans Foundation has kicked off the fundraising efforts by donating $10,000 to the cause, while the SCG Trust will donate $1 for every supporter who attends Saturday night’s AFL and NRL games in the precinct.

Sydney and Hawthorn players will get behind the campaign by signing and donating their match-worn guernseys, while Sydney coach John Longmire and Hawthorn counterpart Alastair Clarkson will sign the Sherrin used for the game. All guernseys and the signed football will be auctioned off at each respective club’s online store, with every dollar going to Buy A Bale.

Supporters can contribute to the cause by texting ‘FOOTY’ to 0437 371 371, dropping by a tin rattler on their way into the SCG, or through the online auction.

A $20 donation will see a farmer receive one bale of hay, $52.50 will provide an essential hamper to a farmer’s family and $250 will see 11,500 litres of water delivered to a farm.

Sydney Swans Chief Executive and Managing Director Andrew Ireland said it’s great to see the football community getting behind our farmers.

“The drought is impacting so many farming families, particularly here in New South Wales, so this is one way we can lend a hand,” Ireland said.

“With the support of the Sydney Swans Foundation, the SCG Trust, Hawthorn Football Club and our members and supporters, we can make a real difference.”

For more information on the Buy A Bale campaign or to donate online, visit: buyabale.com.au