The GIANTS, along with the Swans, are proud to announce a new partnership with Lifeline, with the two clubs to play for the Lifeline Cup in the Sydney Derby.

The two clubs made the announcement, alongside Lifeline CEO Colin Seery, at Accor Stadium on Tuesday, ahead of Sydney Derby XXIII which will be played at the Sydney Olympic Park venue this Saturday.

GIANTS CEO David Matthews said the club is proud to partner with Lifeline.

"While the GIANTS and Swans are fierce rivals on the field, off the field we are proud to work together for this especially important cause,” Mr Matthews said.

“We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with Lifeline that will see the Sydney Derby Cup named the Lifeline Cup from this Saturday onwards.

“This is a year-round partnership that will see both teams use their platforms to highlight the important work of Lifeline and lend their voices to help ensure that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.

“Whether you’re a footballer, a fan or a member of our wider community, we want people to know they’re never alone and they can always reach out for help.”

Lifeline CEO Colin Seery said the organisation is grateful for the support of both clubs.

“We are so grateful that the AFL, GIANTS and Swans are making this commitment to improving the mental health of all Australians, and I am delighted that the Lifeline Cup will be synonymous with the Sydney Derby for years to come,” Mr Seery said.

“It’s a chance for people all over Australia to make a huge impact, by shining a spotlight on something that deeply matters to all of us and helping raise funds to ensure we are able to continue to keep Australians safe in their hour of need through our 24/7 phone, text and webchat services.

“We’re here for all Australians through every challenge, 24 hours a day – and I am really looking forward to getting back to live footy and feeling the buzz of fans of both teams backing each other for a common cause.”

Acknowledging that good mental health is as essential as good physical health in everything we do is a big step towards being part of the solution. Which is why the GIANTS are partnering with Australia’s leading suicide prevention service for the unveiling of the Lifeline Cup.

Lifeline is there for all Australians through every challenge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone, text and webchat. Their trained Crisis Supporters are there to listen without judgement to any person in Australia who is feeling overwhelmed, experiencing crisis or longs to be heard.

The whole community can play a role in helping to prevent suicide and the Lifeline Cup is a great way people can support each other and connect through the game we all love.

Lifeline has 41 centres working in communities around the nation. The service responds to over one million requests for support each year, creating an average of 120 safety plans to keep a person experiencing suicidal ideation safe every day.

You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days), text 0477 131 114 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline.org.au (24 hours/7 days).

You can also support Lifeline at the Sydney Derby on Saturday with plenty going on in and around the ground.

Members and fans have the chance to get their photo taken with a replica of the Lifeline Cup at the Eastern Gate entrance while, with the support of Rebel, Lifeline Cup replica water bottles will be available at merchandise outlets at the game.

Lifeline volunteers will be handing out replica cardboard cut-outs at all entrances for fans to hold up during the match with opportunities to donate through QR codes located on signs and digital signage at the stadium and through the website at www.lifeline.org.au/lifelinecup.

The GIANTS and Swans face off in Sydney Derby XXIII to open their AFL season at Accor Stadium this Saturday at 5:10pm.