Western Bulldogs midfielder Mitch Wallis was one of three AFL players to this week hand over a $217,800 cheque to Ladder CEO Elizabeth Tuckey to help combat youth homelessness in Australia.

Wallis, along with St.Kilda’s Billy Longer and Carlton’s Sam Docherty donated the money on behalf of AFL players to coincide with Homelessness Week.

Every AFL player gives $25 from every match fee to Ladder as part of the AFL Players Care program. Ladder was founded by AFL players and they continue to support the organisation as staff, volunteers, advocates and mentors.

The 24-year-old Wallis is a strong supporter of Ladder and has witnessed firsthand some of the challenges young homeless people face.

"Through being involved with Ladder, I've seen the positive impact that Ladder's programs and services have on the development of young homeless people, so it's crucial that we, as a playing group, continue to support the outstanding work the entire national Ladder team does," he said.

"Each night, more than 44,000 young Australian people are homeless – that's alarmingly enough to fill the Sydney Cricket Ground – so we have a lot of work to do to ensure this number decreases over time."

Ladder CEO Elisabeth Tuckey praised AFL players, saying it was a significant contribution that would ensure that young people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness received the support they needed.

"These vital funds go towards our programs that support young people affected by homelessness. Across Australia we are changing the lives of hundreds of young people by creating employment and education opportunities, improving their health and wellbeing, matching them to mentors and ensuring they have the skills to live fulfilling and positive lives,” she said.

Ladder was founded by three AFL players in 2007 to help young people aged 16 to 25 break the cycle of homelessness. Ladder delivers programs and provides opportunities to young people to help them build a future free of homelessness and full of possibilities.

The Ladder program covers four key areas: health and wellbeing; personal development; mentoring; and work and study. It is designed to be delivered holistically, providing wraparound support to young people, as they work towards independent living.

This donation is part of the AFL Players Care program which involves players donating more than $430,000 of their match payments to charities all across Australia.

Visit Ladder.org.au or aflplayers.com.au to learn more.