Crows, Power throw support behind All Stars game to raise money for Australian bushfires disaster
South Australia’s two AFL clubs have backed the All Stars game to raise funds for the bushfires relief effort, saying they will make their players available for the contest.
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The AFL has confirmed its bushfire relief match between Victoria and All Stars for February, as well as donating in a big way.
Today, AFL chief Gillon McLachlan confirmed the game’s best players would feature in a one-off game at Marvel Stadium on Friday February 28.
The AFL ($1.35 million), clubs ($900,000) and the AFL Players’ Association ($250,000) have also joined forces to donate a whopping $2.5m for those suffering from the country’s bushfire disaster.
The funds will go to the Australian Red Cross and an AFL relief fund directly aiding fire affected football clubs.
The February 28 fixture will see players from all clubs square off and will be a double header with Collingwood and Melbourne’s AFLW clash.
Player selection is yet to be determined, but will be capped at a maximum of three players per AFL club.
Richmond premiership coach Damien Hardwick will coach Victoria, with Swans counterpart John Longmire to coach the All Stars.
The match will be shown live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy.
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Earlier, former Crows skipper Taylor Walker put his hand up for the game to “run water or goal umpire” as his club and Port Adelaide threw their support behind the match.
“Port Adelaide is very keen to be involved in any fundraising initiatives that will assist families and communities impacted by the devastating bushfire crisis across Australia,’’ football general manager Chris Davies told The Advertiser.
“As a club, we are more than willing to support the All Stars game and will provide players accordingly.
“Our players want to be involved and we believe the concept is an outstanding opportunity to raise funds for those families and communities impacted.’’
The Crows say they also will do what they can to raise funds for fire-ravaged communities.
“The bushfire crisis has affected a large number of families and communities across Australia and we are keen to do as much as possible to assist with fundraising efforts,’’ an Adelaide spokesman said.
“We support the concept of an All Stars game and we would encourage our players to participate.
“We are also investigating a number of other initiatives to raise money and provide support to those people affected by the fires, as well as our emergency services volunteers who are working tirelessly in SA and other parts of the country.’’
AFLPA chief executive Paul Marsh said he had been in regular talks with AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan about the best way for players to offer support and would “love’’ to see the All Stars match happen.
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“There is a bit of water to go under the bridge to get this thing up, but I think from a players’ perspective we would love to see it happen,’’ Marsh said.
Walker, who hails from Broken Hill and would be in contention to make the All Stars squad, took to social media to back the concept.
Replying to news of the game, he tweeted: “I’ll run water ... or goal umpire’’.
Other AFL stars, including Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield, Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury, West Coast's Nic Naitanui and Melbourne’s Max Gawn also have backed the proposal.
Yesss let’s make it happen! https://t.co/CP6KVmfYGj
— Patrick Dangerfield (@dangerfield35) January 7, 2020
The last All Stars match was played between Victoria and a Dream Team line-up at the MCG in 2008 to celebrate the game’s 150th anniversary.
More than 69,000 fans attended as Victoria – led by Brendan Fevola’s six goals – won by 17 points.
The last true State-of-Origin match was played between Victoria and South Australia at the MCG in 1999, when the Vics triumphed by 54 points.