AFL revives ‘Origin’ contest to bolster bushfire funds
Australian football has added to the millions flowing from across the world to ease the bushfire pain.
Australian football has added to the millions flowing from across the world to ease the bushfire pain.
The AFL will stage a match between Victoria and the rest of Australia at Marvel Stadium on Friday, February 28.
Money raised from the match is on top of a $2.5 million contribution to bushfire relief announced on Thursday by AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan.
The $2.5 million has been donated by the AFL ($1.35m), the 18 AFL clubs ($900,000) and the players’ union ($250,000).
The Victoria/All Stars exhibition match is being billed as the first state of origin clash since the concept lapsed in the late 1990s.
It’s a liberal interpretation of the “State of Origin” definition, and as such won’t stir the passion engendered by the great Victoria versus SA or WA games of the 1980s and 90s.
But in the circumstances that’s a moot point, and given the cause, it will arouse a different feeling among football fans rallying behind their sport as it pitches in to help bushfire victims.
Such is the force of the nation’s bushfire pain, it has inadvertently achieved what has appeared impossible for two decades — the return of State of Origin, albeit State of Origin lite.
“A game of footy can’t change what has happened,” McLachlan said on Thursday.
“But it is a way for all of our clubs, our players and our fans to acknowledge the incredible sacrifice that so many have made in battling the fires and to support those communities that have been impacted by the bushfires.”
The Victorian team will be coached by Richmond’s Damien Hardwick and the All Stars by Sydney’s John Longmire.
Clubs fell in behind the league, removing the biggest barrier to State of Origin’s return in the past — their refusal to release players for fear they’d suffer an injury playing for their state.
“We are proud to contribute as a part of the AFL industry and any player who is fit for selection will be made available for the State of Origin game,” Fremantle chief executive Simon Garlick said on Thursday.
Speaking before the game was confirmed by the AFL, Sydney’s head of football Charlie Gardner said the clubs needed to retain some control over who they would release for the charity match.
“As a footy club we fully support a proposal to put on a one-off State of Origin game to raise much-needed funds for the bushfire relief,” Gardner told SEN.
“The tension for clubs is the risk of injury to star players. Personally, I’m in favour of it. I think it’s a great spectacle for the game and a great advertisement for the competition.
“I think the balancing act is if it is at the start of the year, making sure the clubs have a say in player availability and their preparation and who is at a stage in their preparation where they can play and that would be the tension in the whole discussion.”
The players’ will to play is beyond any doubt.
“It was an immediate ‘yes’ when the State of Origin concept was put to players,” AFL Players Association president Patrick Dangerfield said on Thursday.
“We, like everyone, are heartbroken and desperate to help. We’re committed to putting on a great event for fans and hopefully raise a significant amount of money.
“We’re in awe of those on the front line of this disaster and we take great inspiration from the bravery, spirit and sacrifice that’s been shown by our emergency service workers and volunteers, and want to acknowledge those Australians in particular.”
Team selections will be announced at a later date although the AFL said players from each of the 18 clubs would play.
The AFLW Round 4 clash between Collingwood and Melbourne will be played as a curtain-raiser to the Victoria/All Stars game.
Also, Lloyds Auctions announced Dayne Beams’ 2010 Collingwood premiership medal had sold for $27,500, with the proceeds going to the Victorian Country Fire Authority.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING: AAP
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