Melbourne CEO Peter Jackson thanks fans for elevating Anzac eve clash to blockbuster status

AFTER strong crowds in the first two years Melbourne’s Anzac eve clash with Richmond has now developed into a genuine blockbuster. But is it bigger than Collingwood-Essendon?

Fans flocked to the MCG last year as Tom McDonald‘s Demons triumphed. Pic: Getty Images

MELBOURNE boss Peter Jackson says his club’s Anzac eve blockbuster against Richmond has transformed footy’s celebrations, with about 180,000 people expected to pack the MCG in the space of two days.

Jackson told the Herald Sun that after just four years the annual Dees-Tigers clash could be as big as Collingwood and Essendon’s longstanding marquee match.

Melbourne will pocket the entire gate revenue from Tuesday night’s encounter and Jackson said the Melbourne Cricket Club was expecting 85,000.

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That would deliver the Demons their biggest home-and-away crowd since pulling 86,664 in their 1964 premiership season.

“Rather than compare the games I think it’s better to say how fantastic is it that AFL football can have 180,000 people potentially turn up within 15 or 16 hours,” Jackson told the Herald Sun.

Melbourne CEO Peter Jackson.

The Demons won the Anzac eve clash in 2016, but the Tigers were a formidable unit last year. Pic: Getty Images

“When else does that happen? It’s just fantastic. I’ve got to thank Richmond supporters for it — they elevated it last year to the next level.”

Last year’s crowd of 85,657 clapped loudly as the attendance was displayed on the MCG screen. The first two Anzac eve fixtures drew 59,968 (2016) and 58,175 (2015).

Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw’s brother Will Brayshaw, an Australian army lieutenant, is set to fly in from Afghanistan to speak at the chairman’s function.

While the Pies and Bombers honour past war heroes, the Dees and Tigers acknowledge those currently serving.

Private Gregory Sher’s family will light the cauldron on Tuesday night and 20 current service men and women are set to be honoured at the MCG.

Private Sher was killed in Afghanistan in 2009.

“I hope this becomes as big as Anzac Day,” Jackson said.

“It’s not far away now, is it? If you get 85,000 that’s pretty good. It is a great example of what can happen if two clubs get together and build something.”

Melbourne and Richmond players line up before last year’s clash. Pic: Michael Klein

Jackson was unsure how much cash the Demons would make.

“I’ve never seen a game this big (at Melbourne) so I don’t really know what happens,” the chief executive said.

“Last year people had to take a risk. Channel 7 had to take a risk (and) the AFL had to take a risk to actually fixture a game on a Monday night.

“To be honest they were both a little bit shaky about that. But both clubs were very strong about this — if this is going to be an authentic Anzac eve night game you’ve just got to deal with the risk of a Monday night and go for it.

“Now it’s locked in and it’s a great result.”

Jackson urged supporters to pre-purchase a reserved seat.

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Originally published as Melbourne CEO Peter Jackson thanks fans for elevating Anzac eve clash to blockbuster status