MELBOURNE’S annual Round for Reach charity match returns to the MCG this weekend, as the Demons call on footy fans to help Kick Start Change for young Australians. The Dees will not only be chasing a win over the Swans on Sunday afternoon; they’ll also be hitting the hallowed turf to change the mental health game for young people. This year’s Round calls into focus the importance of preventative mental health programs – getting in front of young people early on in life and setting them up stronger mental health outcomes in the future.

Many people are surprised to learn that in Australia, 99% of mental health funding goes towards crisis and intervention, but only 1% of funding goes towards preventing it happening in the first place.

“While crisis and intervention measures are all vital in addressing immediate needs; prevention is integral to really shifting the dial on the mental health crisis,” Reach CEO Fergus Watts says.

“This is the power of Reach’s work. We deliver programs during the key adolescent development stage to kick start change early on in life, giving them the tools to thrive.”

“By supporting this year’s Round for Reach, you’re backing real change and helping to meaningfully change the mental health game for our young people.”.

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Melbourne Football Club and The Reach Foundation have shared a special connection for over two decades, with club great Jim Stynes co-founding Reach in 1994.  MFC, Zurich, Third Space Studios and QMS have provided significant support as partners of the 2023 Round for Reach campaign.