Fremantle will show its support to the people and communities of Victoria that have been tragically affected by the devastating Victorian Bushfires during this weekend’s round of NAB Cup fixtures.

The AFL is coordinating a number of activities to assist with the fundraising efforts for the communities, families, emergency service workers and volunteers impacted by the bushfires. Fremantle will stand shoulder to shoulder with the other 15 AFL clubs this weekend to show its commitment to raising funds for those affected.

Following the AFL’s decision to relocate the NAB Cup Bushfire Appeal Game between the Western Bulldogs and Essendon to Telstra Dome on Friday night, all proceeds from the game will now be donated to the bushfire appeal established by the Victorian Government. 

Des Headland will fly to Melbourne to be part of the pre-match ceremony for the NAB Cup Bushfire Appeal Game to acknowledge Fremantle’s sympathy for those impacted by this tragedy. Final details regarding the pre-match activities will be announced later in the week by the AFL.

The game will start at 8.40 pm EST and will be telecast live by the Seven Network into Victoria and on Fox Sports throughout the rest of Australia. 

Although on the other side of the country to the disastrous events in Victoria, Fremantle will show that the club’s thoughts are well and truly with those affected by the bushfires. Fremantle’s players and coaches will wear black arm bands and will invite the crowd to join them in observing a minute’s silence prior to the club’s NAB Cup game against Richmond on Sunday at Subiaco Oval. Following the minute’s silence, the National Anthem will be played.

“The Fremantle Football Club sincerely encourages all members and supporters of not just our club but those across the AFL to make a donation to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund by ringing 1800 811 700 or by visiting redcross.org.au,” Fremantle chief executive officer Steve Rosich said today.

AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou said the AFL and its partners, clubs and players would also support the ongoing appeal through a contribution on behalf of the AFL and its 16 clubs. 

He said he was overwhelmed by the response from the players, the clubs and others in the industry who wanted to join together to help communities devastated by the bushfires.

“Our 16 AFL clubs, our AFL players, supporters and corporate and broadcast partners wanted to do something that would provide a coordinated football approach to this national tragedy,” Demetriou said.

“It doesn’t matter who people barrack for, we want all football supporters to join as one to support those communities who are trying to deal with the loss of friends, family and neighbours.

“From a more immediate point of view, our players and clubs are urging all of their supporters to give money and blood to assist the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund,” Demetriou said.

To make an online donation to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfires Appeal click here.