Richmond have announced their upcoming Community Series match against Collingwood will be the inaugural Charity Shield.
The match will take place at Ikon Park on Tuesday, February 27 at 6.40pm, with funds raised going towards charity Foodbank.
The AFL has followed in the footsteps of the NRL, who have a Charity Shield match that takes place as an annual pre-season game between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and St. George Illawarra Dragons.
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale emphasised that Richmond and Collingwood intend to make the Charity Shield an annual pre-season game.
“Richmond and Collingwood, as the two geographically closest teams in the competition, have long held a healthy rivalry, but through the Charity Shield, we will be bringing our Club's and our fanbases together,” said Gale.
“Many people across the community are doing it tough, and something as simple as putting food on the table is challenging.
“Collectively, Richmond, Collingwood, and our members and supporters can make a significant difference to this, and we intend to do that by packing out Ikon Park later this month.”
Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly expressed the importance of two of the biggest clubs coming together to help raise funds for those who need it the most.
“The Charity Shield match is a special opportunity for our Club to join forces with Richmond and show support for a very important cause,” said Kelly.
“The match encourages the Magpie Army and Richmond's fans to come together for something bigger than football.
“We know that for many people it is a daily struggle to put food on the table but from this match, we look to raise important funds for those in need of food relief and hope that this initiative will make a significant difference to the lives of many.”
Foodbank Victoria CEO Dave McNamara outlined the importance of what Foodbank does for many families, helping feed thousands of people each day.
“We feed 57,000 Victorians in need every single day. That's more than a packed Marvel stadium. We see people from all walks of life and pretty much every one of them has a footy team they love," said McMamara.
“Thanks to the Tigers and the Pies and their amazing commitment to the Charity Shield, we can make sure there'll be no one going without this footy season. Every dollar donated is two meals created. It's that simple.”
The Tigers and Magpies are also scheduled to face Melbourne and North Melbourne respectively prior to the Charity Shield clash as part of their pre-season fixtures.
The two clubs will take part in the new Opening Round slot in the home and away season, facing Gold Coast and GWS respectively.
