AFL Daily: Live rolling footy news from around Australia, September 5, 2018
AFL players will wear not one but two black armbands during the first week of the finals as they pay tribute to two of their own and their grieving families. And Trent Cotchin led the push. RECAP THE DAY'S FOOTY NEWS
A CALL from Richmond captain Trent Cotchin was the catalyst that will see all players in AFL Finals this weekend pay tribute to the loss suffered by two of the game's stars.
All players in action in the first week of the finals will wear two black armbands.
SCROLL DOWN TO RECAP ALL THE DAY'S FOOTY NEWS
Players will be acknowledging the memory of Margaret Varcoe, sister of Travis Varcoe and Leo Sloane, baby son of Rory Sloane.
League chief Gillon McLachlan said the entire AFL industry's thoughts were with the two families after their tragic losses.
“Some things go so far above this game we play and everything that goes with it,” McLachlan said.
AFLPA boss Paul Marsh said Cotchin instigated the move.
“Rory and Travis are two very popular members of the playing group and this gesture, albeit small, shows the level of respect players from across the competition have for each other,” Marsh said.
“I would like to also acknowledge Trent Cotchin who instigated this action.
"He contacted Gillon and I on Friday to float the idea and ask whether we could organise the players and clubs.
“Our thoughts continue to be with Rory and Travis and we’re here to support them now and into the future.”
Originally published as AFL Daily: Live rolling footy news from around Australia, September 5, 2018