Following Saturday night's blockbuster at the SCG, both the Hawks and the Swans will be auctioning off their match-worn guernseys to raise much-needed funds for 'Footy for Drought Relief', as a part of Rural Aid Australia’s 'Buy a Bale' campaign. 

The Hawthorn playing group will wear a unique and limited edition 2018 Away 'Buy a Bale' adidas guernsey. The players will sign the guernseys, while both coaches will sign the match ball.

All guernseys and the signed Sherrin will be auctioned off in an effort to support Australia's rural communities and Aussie farmers. This means providing tangible resources to drought affected communities including stock feed, money and volunteers.

Hawthorn Vice Captain Isaac Smith has been pivotal in the club's support of the campaign, and has urged everyone to get on board and support the important initiative.

"We're raising awareness for drought affected farmers and there families, and [trying] to raise a bit of money," Smith said.

"It will be great if you could jump on and donate, and get yourselves a match worn jumper."

The SCG Trust has also pledged to donate one dollar for every supporter in attendance. Supporters at home can donate to the campaign by texting ‘FOOTY’ to 0437 371 371, or through the online auction that will take place on each respective club’s online stores. 

$20 will see a farmer receive one bale of hay, $52.50 will provide a hamper to a farmer through their local supermarket and $250 will see 11,500 litres of water delivered to a farm.

Every dollar generated from the auction will go directly to Rural Aid Australia’s ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign to fund livestock feed and household essentials for drought affected families and communities in every impacted state. All player, club and relevant stakeholders contracted benefits will be gifted, meaning that 100% of the profits will be donated to the campaign.

To find out more about the work of Rural Aid Australia and their ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign visit https://www.ruralaid.org.au/ and https://www.buyabale.com.au/