Collingwood and Richmond push for annual pre-season ‘Charity Shield’ match

Collingwood and Richmond want to lock in a permanent fixture between the two clubs in February dubbed the ‘Charity Shield’.

The Pies and Tigers will play in the Charity Shield this month. Picture: Getty Images

Powerhouse clubs Richmond and Collingwood are pushing to lock in a permanent pre-season charity clash.

The inaugural ‘Charity Shield’ will be played between the Tigers and Pies at Ikon Park on Tuesday, February 27 at 6.40pm.

Funds from the match will be donated to the Foodbank community relief service.

The Tigers approached the premiers about the concept late last year, with both clubs lobbying the AFL to make it a fixed February fixture.

Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said the two clubs intended to make it an annual game played around the country.

“As the two geographically closest teams in the competition, Richmond and Collingwood have long held a healthy rivalry, but through the Charity Shield we will be bringing our club’s and our fan bases together,” Gale said.

“Many people across the community are doing it tough and something as simple as putting food on the table is challenging.

Collingwood and Richmond want to make the Charity Shield an annual event. Picture: Michael Klein

“Collectively, Richmond, Collingwood, and our members and supporters can make a significant difference to this and we intend to do that by packing out Ikon Park later this month.”

Pies CEO Craig Kelly said the charity clash aimed to make a difference to the lives of those in need.

“The match encourages the Magpie Army and Richmond’s fans to come together for something bigger than football,” Kelly said.

“We know that for many people it is a daily struggle to put food on the table but from this match we look to raise important funds for those in need of food relief and hope that the initiative will make a significant difference to the lives of many.”

Foodbank Victoria chief Dave McNamara said battling families were sacrificing food to keep a roof over their heads.

“We feed 57,000 Victorians in need every single day. That’s more than a packed Marvel stadium. We see people from all walks of life and pretty much every one of them has a footy team they love,” McNamara said.

“Thanks to the Tigers and the Pies and their amazing commitment to the Charity Shield, we can make sure there’ll be no one going without this footy season. Every dollar donated is two meals created. It’s that simple.”

Entry to the game will be $10 for Richmond and Collingwood members, $20 for non-members and free for children.