BBL rivals Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades unite for Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision

The foundation set up in honour of footy great Nick Riewoldt’s sister, Maddie, will become the official charity of Melbourne’s two Big Bash cricket teams.

The foundation set up in honour of footy great Nick Riewoldt’s sister, Maddie, will become the official charity of Melbourne’s two Big Bash cricket teams.

Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision has been unveiled as the charity partner of the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades.

Money raised at BBL derbies between the Melbourne teams will fund access to genetic testing for all patients diagnosed with bone marrow failure.

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A donation of $1000 will be made for every four that players hit across both derbies at the MCG and Marvel Stadium this summer.

Nick Riewoldt, with sons James and Will, will take part in pre-game entertainment alongside cousin Jack Riewoldt.

And the St Kilda legend and his Richmond star cousin, Jack Riewoldt, will be involved in pre-game entertainment and serve as water boys for the teams.

“My sister Maddie fought a long battle with her illness but when she was well, she was also a sportswoman who was passionate about all sports,’’ Nick Riewoldt said.

“It is really fitting that we are strengthening our presence with BBL and we are grateful for this new platform of raising awareness and funds for bone marrow failure.’’

The partnership will extend the charity’s reach outside an AFL match played between St Kilda and Richmond each year, Premier Women’s cricket Maddie’s Shield and community club involvement.

Banners stamped with the slogan “Bat for Maddie’’ will be sold for $5 and wrist bands offered for gold coin donations at the two matches.

BBL fans will also be able to make donations at the gate or online.