Local soccer players and supporters have bled for each other, and the community, after taking out the inaugural Tamworth Sporting Blood Challenge.
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The challenge was the brainchild of local Jamie Wise, and saw sporting codes go head to head to see who could donate the most.
Overall the challenge "saved 186 lives through 62 individual donations, with soccer contributing 17 of those for the victory, however Mr Wise said the real winner has been awareness.
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"The numbers aren't bad for the first year, but we hope the drive gathers momentum each year," he said.
"What we really want is for people to give blood in the challenge, and realise that it isn't hard, or scary, or take too much time, and donate all year around - in Australia someone needs blood every 24 seconds."
Rugby league were second on the tally with nine donations, followed by AFL and rugby, while basketball are in the hall-of-shame after registering for the drive and then failing to record a single donation.
They will however be able to make amends by rolling their sleeves up for next year's challenge, with organisers hoping to double donations next year.
Northern Inland Football will be honoured with the inaugural perpetual trophy by the Red Cross in November.
