Round 23 between Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs on Saturday 27 August will set the scene for the annual Odyssey House Victoria 'Kick the Habit' collection at the MCG.

Odyssey House volunteer collectors will be around the concourse before the bounce, rattling their tins and selling raffle tickets for fans to win a choice of a signed Hawthorn or Western Bulldogs guernsey.

After the game the volunteers will be back on the concourse selling mini-Sherrins for a note donation. 

Hawthorn Football Club and Odyssey House embarked on a community partnership two years ago to generate greater awareness of drug and alcohol problems. 

Odyssey House Victoria is committed to creating fresh opportunities for people to make positive changes to their lives by reducing drug use, improving mental health and reconnecting them to their families and the community.

CEO of Odyssey House, Dr Stefan Gruenert said “We all know the cost of drug misuse in Australia is huge. Every 24 minutes, someone in Australia dies from their legal or illegal drug use, while a third of us drink alcohol at high risk levels, costing taxpayers more than $55 billion per year."

However, he said he hoped footy fans will get behind 'Kick the Habit' to help communicate a much more positive message.

“We want people and communities to be at their best, to have meaningful relationships and a sense of wellbeing.

“Today is about encouraging all people to overcome habits that are holding them back, and to give people hope that change and recovery is possible,” he said.

Dr Gruenert said funds raised will help support the treatment of those affected and substantially contribute to Odyssey’s prevention and education programs with young people.

If you wish to assist Odyssey House by volunteering your time and helping with the tin rattle pre game, please contact Dayna Mackenzie on daynam@hawthornfc.com.au