Channel Seven will broadcast a special AFL State of Origin match, with all the money raised from the game going towards the Australian bushfire relief.
Victoria, coached by Richmond premiership coach Damian Hardwick, and the All Stars, led
by Sydney Swans Premiership coach John Longmire, will bring players together from each of the
18 clubs on the eve of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
AFLW clubs will further support fundraising efforts by hosting donation collection points at
matches in season 2020, starting Friday 7 February, along with additional initiatives currently
being explored with clubs and the AFLPA to be announced in the coming weeks.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan made the announcement at Marvel Stadium on Thursday and said it was important that the football industry came together to support communities in
need.
He said while the industry was reacting to the fires over the past few weeks, it was also
mindful that the danger potentially posed by bushfires would continue over the coming months.
“Our industry is heartbroken by the devastation that the fires are causing around the country and
our clubs and players have suggested a number of initiatives where we can support affected
communities in the short and longer term as they deal with the aftermath of these fires.
“A game of footy can’t change what has happened 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.
“We know that those communities are suffering now but they are also going to need our support
as they start to rebuild. Sport builds bonds within communities and we want people to know they
have the support of the entire football industry and that we will be there to help them rebuild
facilities and programs and ensure people continue to come together. The State of Origin game
will help raise further funds to support that ongoing rebuild.”
Seven West Media MD and CEO James Warburton said: “We’re proud to be partnering with the AFL to broadcast the State of Origin match on Seven on Friday 28 February, to support the bushfire relief effort. This is a great initiative, and we’re working on putting our full 7Sport AFL team on the broadcast.
“This match comes on top of our partnership with TEG on the Fire Fight Australia benefit concert on Sunday 16 February, and our partnership with The Salvation Army on the Bushfire Disaster Appeal. We have seen massive interest in 7NEWS’ reporting on how to support the recovery effort with over half a million people visiting 7NEWS.com.au’s articles on how to help since New Year’s Day, and the special bushfire editions of The Latest on Facebook Watch having over seven million views.
“We’re continuing to work on other ways we can support the bushfire recovery effort and hope to share more soon.”
AFLPA President Patrick Dangerfield said the players pledged their support for the match and
donation without hesitation.
“It was an immediate ‘yes’ when the State of Origin concept was put to players by the AFLPA.
“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,” he said.
“In addition to committing to this match, we’re proud to be able to make a $250,000 donation on
behalf of all male and female players, which will be split amongst various charities to support
those affected.
“We know this is not something that will be instantly fixed by a donation and a game of football,
so AFL and AFLW players will continue to identify ways to make a difference where they can, as
communities look to rebuild.
The State of Origin match will be broadcast live by the Seven Network and Foxtel, and via Kayo
and the AFL Live App, along with radio partners to be confirmed shortly.
Further details of the State of Origin match, including team selections will be announced in the
coming weeks.
As you might’ve seen, the AFL has just announced a special State of Origin match to support bushfire relief efforts – attached is their media release with details. Seven is proud to be supporting this initiative by broadcasting the match, and below is a quote you can use in your coverage of this announcement.
