PORT ADELAIDE midfielder Travis Boak has been called into Victoria’s squad for Friday night’s State of Origin bushfire relief match.
Boak comes into the side after teammate Robbie Gray withdrew on Tuesday with foot soreness.
Boak travelled with Gray and Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli to areas affected by the fires in East Gippsland earlier this year to put on a football clinic and signing session for the local children.
“Seeing first-hand some of the areas devastated by the fires makes me feel more passionate about helping out and really proud to be able to play my part in the origin game on Friday night,” Boak said.
“It’s a shame Robbie won’t be there, but it is a real honour to be able to represent Victoria and hopefully the game will be a good spectacle with plenty of money raised for those who need it most.”
Boak will join his team Victoria teammates when they train together at Marvel Stadium on Thursday.
His Port Adelaide teammate Scott Lycett will line up for the All Stars in Friday night’s origin game.