AFL legend Nick Riewoldt's touching tribute to late sister ahead of final Maddie's Match 10 years on from her tragic death

Nick Riewoldt has paid tribute to his late sister Maddie as the family prepares to mark the 10th anniversary of her passing with one final edition of Maddie's Match.

Maddie died in 2015 following a five-year battle with aplastic anaemia, a Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome. She was just 26 years old.

'Ten years — feels like yesterday. Miss you everyday Mooch,' Riewoldt wrote.

'The boys know you, and smile when we talk about Auntie Maddie. Love you sis.'

The 2025 Maddie's Match will take place in Round 3 when St Kilda faces Richmond at Marvel Stadium.

This year's event will be the last, as the club shifts its focus to mental health initiatives such as Spud's Game and the Danny Frawley Centre.

'We've come to the difficult decision that this will be the last Maddie's Match,' Riewoldt said.

'It's been a really special journey. We're so grateful for all of the awareness, funds for research, and support the St Kilda Football Club and the community have shown us over the last 10 years.

'So we're begging you for the last time to come along and fill Marvel Stadium on March 29 for the final installment of Maddie's Match. Let's make it the biggest and best one yet.'

Since its inception in 2015, Maddie's Match has raised over $1.2 million for research, patient support, and increasing awareness of Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes.

The annual game has been played between St Kilda and Richmond, where Riewoldt's cousin Jack is a club legend.

Maddie Riewoldt's Vision (MRV) was established by the Riewoldt family in June 2015 to fund research and support families affected by Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes.

'Since that very first game, the support from not only the Saints fans but also the wider football community has been nothing short of incredible,' Riewoldt said.

'This match has always been a special one for me, and as a family and a foundation, we can't thank everyone enough for helping us raise awareness, fund research, and support patients and families who need it most.'

Maddie Riewoldt's Vision Chief Executive Officer Amy Coote also highlighted the impact of the event.

'Since the inception of Maddie's Vision, St Kilda has provided an incredible platform to reach the AFL community, raising vital funds for research, while increasing awareness of Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes and supporting patients and families across Australia,' Coote said.

'Maddie's Vision simply wouldn't be what it is today without the support of the Saints over the years, and we can't wait to celebrate everything we've achieved together and say a heartfelt thank you, one last time.'

St Kilda CEO Carl Dilena acknowledged the club's role in supporting MRV.

'As a club, we're really proud to have played a role in furthering the research into Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes, while also supporting families through money-can't-buy experiences both at games and around the club,' Dilena said.

'While our support is transitioning away from a game-day presentation, the community still has ample opportunity to continue to support this valuable work through the many other initiatives the Maddie Riewoldt's Vision team conducts throughout the year.'

Maddie Riewoldt was diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia at the age of 21.

Over five years, she underwent multiple bone marrow transplants, hundreds of blood transfusions, and continuous treatments.

Before her diagnosis, she was a talented sportswoman, passionate about soccer, cricket, surf lifesaving, and AFL. She also voiced her frustrations about the lack of pathways for women in professional sports.

She remained devoted to her family and her dog, Oscar. Before she passed away in February 2015, she made them promise to continue fighting for others affected by Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes.

Her legacy lives on through Maddie Riewoldt's Vision, which continues to drive research and provide essential support to patients and their families.

'Maddie fought her battle with inspiring determination and courage. It's now up to us to put our heads down and lift our hearts and #FightLikeMaddie,' MRV states.

As Maddie's Match comes to an end, St Kilda will place greater emphasis on Spud's Game, an annual event dedicated to mental health awareness in honour of club legend Danny Frawley. The fifth edition of Spud's Game will take place when the Saints host Carlton in Round 9.

Tickets for Maddie's Match and other games at Marvel Stadium and the MCG will go on sale on Tuesday, February 18, at 12 PM for members and Wednesday, February 19, at 12 PM for non-members.