everything-afl:

The AFL has announced a landmark “State of Origin” match to raise funds for the Australian bushfire disaster, in addition to contributing a monster donation to support relief efforts. The league ($1.35m) – in association with the clubs ($900,000) and AFL Players Association ($250,000) – have committed a $2.5million donation; a total of $1m will provide immediate emergency assistance through the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery fund. An additional $1.5m will kickstart the Community Relief Fund for grassroots facilities.



In the upcoming match, Victoria will play an All Stars line-up on Friday February 28 at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, with money raised to boost a Community Relief Fund set-up by the AFL to help rebuild football facilities ripped apart by the national crisis. Richmond premiership coach Damien Hardwick will lead the Victorians and Sydney counterpart John Longmire will coach the All Stars; a maximum of three players per AFL team will be eligible for selection so as to not interrupt their team’s preseason preparation. Additionally, the AFLW match between Collingwood and Melbourne scheduled for the same day at Victoria Park will now be played at Marvel Stadium to create a double header.



If you are unable to attend the match and would like to contribute to supporting those in this time of crisis, here is how you can help:

For the Firies:

For the animals: