The league board met on Wednesday night and granted the clubs permission to play on Good Friday, as the league follows the growing trend of other leagues to stage a match on one of the most sacred days on the Christian calendar.

The match, to be played on April 6, could attract a bumper crowd with the Spiders set to unveil probably the biggest signing in league history in dual Brisbane Lions premiership player Daniel Bradshaw.

The seniors and reserves will play on Good Friday, with the remainder of the clubs to complete the round 1 fixture the following day.

“The two clubs got together and requested if they could play a game on Good Friday with most clubs supporting the decision at the annual meeting on Wednesday night,” league president Merv Wegener said.

“It was granted on the proviso that a substantial amount of the money raised was donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital appeal and Albury Base Hospital children’s ward and also must have the support of their local communities, which they assure us they have got.

“Personally I was against the move initially but the majority rules.

“It seems to be a growing trend, especially in the Victorian leagues.

“But I think it will be more of a one-off situation in the Hume league because traditionally we have a general bye over the Easter period depending on when it falls.”

The reserves match is scheduled to start at 12.30pm to be followed by the seniors with the thirds and fourths to be played following day.

Howlong players will wear a one-off commemorative jumper to be auctioned after the match.

Premiership coach Marc Almond hopes the match will raise a significant amount of money for charity.

“There has been a lot of hype surrounding the signing of Daniel and will give the chance for people outside the league to watch a player of his calibre against the defending premier in hopefully a finals type atmosphere,” Almond said.

“It is also an opportunity for us to showcase and promote the league.

“I commend the league for approving the initiative and hopefully it is a huge success and can become a permanent fixture between the two clubs in the future.”

The Murray, Ovens and King, Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat leagues will also play matches on Good Friday.