Riewoldt was only expected to barely break into a sweat as he prepares for the inaugural Maddie's match, which will remember Maddie, who died earlier this year aged 26 due to aplastic anaemia – a rare bone marrow disease. Maddie was also Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt's cousin.

Five dollars from every match ticket sold at Etihad Stadium will be donated to the charity Maddie Riewoldt's Vision, aiming to raise funds to aid research in the fight against bone marrow failure syndromes.

Nick Riewoldt injured his calf against Greater Western Sydney last Sunday and has typically worked diligently to ensure he could recover in time for what will be one of the most important - and emotional - games of his distinguished career.

The Saints said on Saturday that he "should be fine" to play barring an unexpected mishap before the twilight clash. They had named Tom Hickey, Adam Schneider and Tim Membrey as emergencies.

Saints president Peter Summers has penned an open letter to the club's members, detailing how "proud" he has been of all those who have helped to put the match together.

"I am not going to pretend to fully comprehend the loss of Maddie to her family. I do know the Riewoldts are a close family but such loss is individual and must be respected. Similarly I don't want to disrespect the concept of family for at such times family has a very special meaning," Summers said.

"But to the extent there is a Saints family, and I do believe such a thing exists, then we, the Saints family, also felt Maddie's passing and to the extent we could we offered our support to the Riewoldt family.

"What I am more comfortable talking about, and what was of no surprise at all to me, was the Riewoldt family's passion to want to do everything they can to promote Maddie's vision so that others may not suffer such a loss. The formation of Maddie Riewoldt's Vision (MRV) took great courage and it has involved much work, all at a time of enormous challenge.

"MRV is not short term. It is aimed to go on raising awareness of bone marrow failure related diseases and funds for research. But on Sunday, one of the key events in the early stages of MRV will take place when the Maddie's match is played. This Sunday, Saints v Tigers means so much more than the four points."

The Saints have made three changes from the side beaten by the Giants. Eli Templeton and Paddy McCartin return, with left-footer Hugh Goddard, a first-round draft selection last year, to debut. The Tigers have also made three changes, with Ivan Maric, Matt McDonough and Ben Lennon back in the fold.