If that is the only thing Peter McGrath can teach his Eastlake Demons squad this year, he will have succeeded.

Eastlake have launched a 'tackling for a cure' intiative designed to raise funds for cancer research at the University of Canberra's Melanie Swan Memorial Translational Centre.

The centre is working towards treating the occurrence and spread of metastatic cancer, revolutionising cancer treatments by rethinking the way cancer is detected, tracked and treated.

Demons players approach local businesses in search of a pledge per tackle they make during Eastlake's AFL Canberra campaign.

McGrath says the Demons have got about 10 businesses on board for the initiative designed to show the club's emerging stars football is not the be all and end all.

"We can't guarantee we're going to win a grand final at the end of the day, that'd be nice, but at the end of the day after the season, at least we can say we've done something positive in the community," McGrath said.

"That way, the players, they're a young group, they get better educated on the causes out there we can help out in. It's all about education and community engagement.

"As part of the group's development in terms of community engagement, we discussed a lot of different charity causes or initiatives. Last year we looked after organ donation, as one of our player's grandfathers received an organ and then passed away.

"This year we decided to go with an important cause which we will all be touched by at some stage in our lives, whether that is ourselves or our family and friends.

"We thought, what a great way to make a difference and help out their cause. The entire initiative is player-driven."

Eastlake players have long been active in the community off the park - and their latest initiative has benefits on both sides of the boundary line.

Now the Belconnen Magpies are in the firing line as the Demons look to rack up the tackles in their AFL Canberra clash at Football Park on Saturday.

"When you look at what we can actually do per game, we can't guarantee we're going to kick goals, take marks or get possessions," McGrath said.

"We certainly can rely on our effort and our defensive pressure. We can certainly rely on us making tackles per game.

"From a coaching perspective, it is nice to have the players come up with an added incentive to make a tackle."

AFL CANBERRA ROUND SIX

Saturday: Tuggeranong Hawks v Ainslie Tricolours at Greenway Oval, 1.15pm. Eastlake Demons v Belconnen Magpies at Football Park, 3pm.

Sunday: Gungahlin Jets v Queanbeyan Tigers at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval, 1.15pm.