Every year the Good Friday game brings one thing to the Western Bulldogs Football Club; perspective. 

A game that raises funds and awareness for Royal Children’s Hospital appeal, it is circled in the calendar every season and brings a great sense of pride and responsibility to the Club. 

Thursday was a scheduled player day off for the Western Bulldogs. 

But rather than enjoy a sleep in, head out for breakfast or simply take it easy in their down-time, a number of Bulldogs were paying a special visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital. 

To see the smiling faces of children and their families was a joy to all involved, brightening up the day of kids that have been doing it tough. 

Josh Bruce, Josh Dunkley and Tom Liberatore were perennial favourites to the captivated audience, as the patients kicked to their heroes outside the hospital. 

Charlie Parker and Riley Garcia were two others who spent the morning playing with the kids, describing the rewarding experience as eye-opening.  

“It puts a real perspective on things – you can get into a little bubble in the footy world and just go to the club and go to training, so it’s really nice to branch out of that and put some smiles on some kids’ faces,” Parker said. 

“A lot of them have been through a lot, so it’s really nice to hear some stories and hear how they’ve battled and fight through it all.

“To actually be a part of the (Bulldogs) now, and to see it how they do raise money and genuinely care about not only the people within the Club, but also everyone outside the Club – it’s pretty special.”

“It’s been eye-opening and amazing to be honest – we’re pretty fortunate to be able to have such an impact on these kids,” Garcia said. 

“I think seeing them with a big smile on their face and seeing what we can do in such a short amount of time is powerful. 

“It puts things into perspective with how lucky we are and also how fortunate we are to be able to do that.”

On-field, the Bulldogs will once again meet North Melbourne in the Good Friday SuperClash, which helps raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal. 

Garcia said it’s a game the group looks forward to every year. 

“It’s such a powerful round – all the boys know how much of an impact it has on the kids. 

“We’ll be excited and I’m sure the North boys will be as well. We can’t wait to bring our best footy.”

To donate to the Bulldogs’ official Good Friday Appeal fundraising page, click here.