AFL facilitates St Kilda’s request to host Spud’s Game at MCG to better promote marquee clash

St Kilda has taken a $100,000 hit to move this year’s Spud’s Game from Marvel Stadium to the MCG with projections of a crowd far greater than the Docklands venue’s capacity.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 27: Jack Sinclair of the Saints and Daniel McStay of the Magpies pose for a photograph during the 2024 Spud's Game Announcement at RSEA Park on February 27, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

St Kilda’s commitment to transforming Spud’s Game into a true blockbuster played on the biggest stage has incurred a $100,000 break fee for removing a home game from its Marvel Stadium contract.

The Saints will host Collingwood at the MCG on Thursday night in a match that will place the national spotlight on mental health and help raise funds for the Danny Frawley Centre.

Close to 70,000 fans could attend the marquee match – more than double the 28,985 that attended Spud’s Game against Brisbane Lions last year.

The Saints lodged a late fixture request with the AFL to host the Magpies at the ‘G.

The AFL owns Marvel Stadium and, while the league was able to facilitate the request, waiving the $100,000 fee would’ve set a dangerous precedent.

But the Saints have been thrilled with the league’s support and have secured indie rock band The Temper Trap to play at 7pm as pre-match entertainment.

The Saints will once again honour Danny Frawley on Thursday night. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

“We’re really excited to be hosting a home game at the MCG tomorrow night,” acting Saints boss Carl Dilena said.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for the club, its supporters and the Danny Frawley Centre as we look to raise greater awareness for Spud’s Game.

“We’re incredibly proud of our home of Marvel Stadium, however the venue capacity at the MCG allows us to welcome more fans to the stands and also places mental health on the biggest stage we have in this country.

“The AFL has been, and continues to be, an incredibly supportive and important partner for us.

“Since the inception of Spud’s Game, the AFL has assisted with extensive promotion, operations and funding assistance, while also providing support and flexibility with commercial arrangements for the match which sit outside of fundraising efforts.

“Their support has enabled us to maximise this game and we know this year’s event will be all the better for their contributions.”

Australian music icon Pete Murray will also perform his hit Better Days.

The fundraising will help enhance the Danny Frawley Centre at Moorabbin, which is a state-of-the-art mental and physical fitness facility.

It also honours the life of Danny Frawley, a St Kilda champion who captained the club from 1987-1995.

St Kilda and Collingwood will play in this year’s Spud’s game. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The AFL also praised St Kilda’s dedication to the charity.

“St Kilda’s annual Spud’s Game does amazing work in raising awareness of mental health initiatives and to further support, at St Kilda’s request, the AFL allowed the fixture to be played at the MCG to allow the club to welcome more fans to the stands and also place mental health on the biggest sporting stage in this country,” spokesman Jay Allen said.

“The AFL continues to be incredibly supportive of Spud’s Game, honouring the late, great Danny Frawley’s legacy and driving awareness for the Danny Frawley Centre and fundraising efforts.

“AFL CEO Andrew Dillon will be part of the pre-game activity ahead of tomorrow’s night match at the MCG.”

Originally published as AFL facilitates St Kilda’s request to host Spud’s Game at MCG to better promote marquee clash