The lighting of a commemorative flame, in a darkened MCG, will be the centrepiece of the pre-match to the Anzac Day eve clash between Richmond and Melbourne this Friday.
The eternal flame at the Shrine of Remembrance will be used to light a torch, which will be carried to the MCG by the Creswick Light Horse Troop.
The torch will then be handed to VFL/AFL legend Ron Barassi, who will light the flame on the MCG stage, where it will burn for the duration of the match.
Barassi’s father, Ron Snr, died in Tobruk in 1941, during World War II.
Supporters of both sides will also become a part of the pre-match ceremony, with 50,000 finger lights being distributed and held aloft in silence, in memory of those that have served Australia in armed conflict.
Tickets are available for this Friday’s Anzac Day eve match, via Ticketek
The pre-match will also include the Army Band, returned service men and women and those currently serving overseas. Both teams will also line up in front of the flame for the playing of the Last Post and the National Anthem prior to the start of the game.
“We wanted to develop an occasion that enabled the supporters of both clubs to recognise the enormous sacrifice so many men and women have made for this country,” said Richmond Football Club CEO Brendon Gale.
“The Anzac round has become a very significant part of the AFL calendar. All Clubs look for ways to appropriately recognise our military history, and Anzac Day eve provides an opportunity for two Clubs with significant links to our military history to do just that.
“We clearly want this to become an annual game played between Richmond and Melbourne, and we believe supporters of both sides will embrace the occasion and get to the MCG for what shapes as a very significant night.
Get the full game day information for Friday night's ANZAC Day eve match
“Importantly, this game and the pre-match ceremony, has the full support of the RSL, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Australian Defence Force. They have each helped develop and shape our pre-match and we thank them for that support.”
Melbourne chief executive Peter Jackson acknowledged the Demons’ strong links with armed conflict.
“Our club lost more than any other in the AFL, in battle, with 30 Melbourne players making the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It is fitting that we pay tribute to those we lost, and all who served for their country, on Anzac eve," Jackson said.
