Australian Red Cross Lifeblood and the Sydney Swans kicked off their 2026 partnership on Monday, with a team donation day at Moore Park HQ, uniting again to inspire fans nationwide to donate blood and plasma.
This year’s partnership launch marks a special milestone, with newly appointed Sydney Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich making his first-ever blood donation, following senior coach Dean Cox’s first donation last year.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Lifeblood in 2026, and we’re looking forward to seeing our members and fans getting behind Lifeblood’s vital work again this season,” Pavlich said.
“Donating blood is a simple act that can help save lives, and I’m encouraging Swans fans to join me this season by booking a donation and becoming part of something meaningful.”
The partnership builds on the long-standing relationship between the Sydney Swans and Lifeblood, with the ‘Lifeblood of the Swans’ donor team formed in 2023, and a Lifeblood donor centre located inside the club’s Moore Park HQ. In that time, more than 24,000 collections have been made, saving over 73,000 lives.
Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen said the Swans have played a crucial role in sparking conversations about blood and plasma donation and encouraging people to take up the life-saving habit from the age of 18.
“Teamwork is just as important in blood donation as it is in sport, with 36 per cent of blood donations each year made as part of a Lifeblood team,” he said.
“With more than 110,000 new donors needed this year to meet increasing demand for donated blood and plasma, now is the perfect time to make an impact and be part of a life-saving community.
“Whether or not you’re part of a team like the ‘Lifeblood of the Swans’, every donation makes a life-saving difference to people who rely on donated blood in their lifetime – which is one in three Australians.”
More than 1.7 million donations are needed every year to meet the growing demand for blood and plasma products, so Lifeblood depends on thousands of donors every week to support patients across Australia.
“Every donation can help up to three people – from cancer patients to those involved in trauma, undergoing surgery, or living with immune conditions,” added Stephen.
Fans are encouraged to join the official Sydney Swans Lifeblood Team ‘Lifeblood of the Swans’ via the Lifeblood website and donate at least once throughout the AFL season. Whether at Lifeblood Moore Park Donor Centre inside Sydney Swans HQ or any Lifeblood centre nationwide, every donation counts.
To book your donation, call 13 14 95, book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the Lifeblood app.
