Nick Riewoldt pays tribute to late sister Maddie on 10th anniversary ahead of final Maddie’s Match

Nick Riewoldt has paid tribute to late sister Maddie as the family prepares to mark the 10th anniversary of her death 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 at the time, while Riewoldt and wife Catherine had only recently welcomed the first of their three children.

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“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.”

Riewoldt helped launch the Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision foundation following her death, raising funds for research and patients, with his club St Kilda quickly moving to support the cause.

Maddie’s Match continued through the end of cousin Jack’s career after Nick hung up the boots. Credit: Getty

The Saints and Richmond, where Riewoldt’s cousin Jack is a club legend, have played an annual Maddie’s Match since 2015.

The 2025 edition in Round 3 will mark the end of the match-day celebration.

“We’ve come to the difficult decision that this will be the last Maddie’s Match,” Riewoldt said in a Saints announcement.

“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.

“We’re so grateful as a family for all of the support and all of the love you’ve shown us over the last 10 years.”

Maddie’s Matches have drawn over $1.2 million in donations, St Kilda said.

“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,” chief executive Carl 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’s Match will come to an end with the Saints putting an increased focus on Spud’s Game honouring club great Danny Frawley’s legacy.

The fifth edition of the mental health fundraiser will be held when the Saints host Carlton in Round 9.

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