Zurich Australia replaced its logo on Melbourne Football Club’s runout T-shirts with the names of people affected by breast cancer, and donated $20,000 to Breast Cancer Network Australia.

The initiative, in its third year, was part of the AFL club’s annual Pink Lady Match at the weekend.

Zurich head of consumer channel and capability Shaneen Marshall says the insurer “has been proud to use its logo space to support BCNA and honour Australians and their families impacted by breast cancer”.

The insurer says cancer was the second most common cause of life insurance claims last year, accounting for more than one in five claims and almost $470 million in payments.

Breast cancer represented about one in seven cancer claims.

Melbourne Football Club CEO Dan Taylor says the Pink Lady Match recognised the thousands of Australians affected by breast cancer.

“Having our players wear the names of people affected by breast cancer creates a powerful connection between the game and the community, reminding us exactly who we're playing for,” he said.