Veteran defender Bachar Houli accompanied the Tigers' premiership cup on a tour of fire-affected communities in Lakes Entrance, Nowa Nowa and Buchan over the weekend. 

Houli joined volunteers from the Australian Islamic Centre and Human Appeal Australia, who donated food to local charities and put on a community barbecue.  

“Yesterday I had the privilege to visit those affected in the fires in Lakes Enterance, Nowa Nowa and Buchan,” Houli shared in an Instagram post.

“Extremely sad to see but putting smiles on many faces was one to remember forever.

“We also delivered 5 containers of food and the likes and also put on a huge BBQ. Thanks to all who donated and helped directly.” 

The wider Richmond playing group has also launched an online fundraising page that has generated more than $50,000 in donations.

Premiership coach Damien Hardwick will lead the Victorian lineup in the landmark State of Origin match to be played on March 28, with money raised to boost a Community Relief Fund set-up by the AFL to help rebuild football facilities ripped apart by the national crisis.

Tickets for the match will go on sale Tuesday, January 21 at 12pm via Ticketmaster.  

AFLW clubs will also support the fundraising efforts by housing donation collecting points at matches in the upcoming season starting February 7.