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Carlton players bring strength, smiles and solidarity to Peter Mac ahead of 2026 Peter Mac Cup

13 April 2026

There are moments at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre that remind us just how powerful connection can be. On Thursday 20 March, that connection came in navy blue, as players from Carlton Football Club spent time with patients, families and staff ahead of the 2026 Peter Mac Cup.

Carlton Visit 2026

Nic Newman, Adam Saad, Elijah Holland and Lachie Cowan were among the group who toured the centre, visiting the Chemotherapy Day Unit, Inpatient Gym, Clinical Trials Unit, Wellbeing Centre, Ward 6A which cares for patients preparing for and recovering after surgery, and Ward 5A a specialised area that cares for patients with blood and breast cancers. Along the way, they paused for conversations, shared stories and offered a moment delight to patients at different stages of their cancer journeys.

For many, the visit was more than just a meet-and-greet; it was a meaningful moment of uplift during a sensitive time.

Carlton Visit 2026

Danny, a lifelong Carlton supporter, was recovering from a stem cell transplant as part of his treatment for blood cancer. As he spoke about the visit, he became emotional, sharing how much it meant to him to meet players from the club he has supported his entire life. He described how Carlton players — particularly Sam Docherty — had been a source of inspiration throughout his cancer journey.

Moments like these highlight the unique role sport can play in bringing comfort, hope and a sense of normalcy within a hospital setting.
Carlton player Nic Newman reflected on the experience, saying:

“I think nearly everyone knows someone who’s been affected by cancer in some way. Being here at Peter Mac really brings that home. The more we can do to raise funds for research, the better, because that’s what’s going to help people now and in the future.”

The visit also served as a powerful reminder of what the Peter Mac Cup represents. Scheduled for Thursday 16 April at the MCG, the match between traditional rivals Carlton and Collingwood is one of the longest-running charity games in VFL/AFL history, now in its 31st year.

But beyond the rivalry, the Cup stands for something far greater.

Carlton visit 2
Craig Connelly, CEO of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, emphasised the impact of these moments of connection:

“Visits like this bring the Peter Mac Cup to life. It’s not just about what happens on the field. It’s about the real people the Peter Mac Cup supports. The funds raised help power critical cancer research here at Peter Mac, giving patients access to better treatments and brighter futures.”

Carlton visit 4
As anticipation builds for this year’s game, the message is clear: United on the Field. United Against Cancer.

The Peter Mac Cup is more than a match. It’s a movement.

One Game. One Cause. A Powerful Impact. Together, we can take a stand against cancer and help save lives.

Take a stand against cancer and donate today

@Follow us on Instagram (@SupportPeterMac)

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