ALL EYES on Friday night.
When Carlton and Collingwood meet in front of another sold-out crowd at the MCG, the game will also provide a stage for the 29th Peter Mac Cup.
The longest running charity match in the AFL, the two old enemies once again came together at the Peter Mac Centre on Monday morning to launch the week — with Sam Docherty taking centre stage.
Docherty was presented the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award on Brownlow night last year for his work with the institution, also acting as an Observer to the Board of the Peter Mac Cancer Foundation.
Joined by Bobby Hill on Monday morning, Docherty spoke of his fond memories at the Centre just a few kilometres down the road from IKON Park.
“I have a lot of fond memories here, and I think that’s testament to all the people that were here when I was getting treated,” Docherty said.
“Being able to sit behind the scenes a bit more now and understand the importance of the Foundation and the money that comes in, where it goes and the impact it has on people here but also people in the future — I love coming back here. It is a beautiful place.
“Carlton and Collingwood, two massive rivals. To have two massive fanbases, two passionate fanbases that don’t really like each other represented and come together for a game of footy and unite behind something, that says a hell of a lot.”
Docherty cast an eye forwards to what Friday night holds — but didn’t want to give too much away.
The only information that he would provide was that something special was in store for everyone involved with both the Blues and Pies on Friday night, and he encouraged everybody to be in their seats by 7:35pm to make sure they got to be part of the experience.
“I’ll keep [those plans] behind closed doors.
“I’ve had a fair vision over the last couple of years about what it’s going to look like pre-game, and we’ve been really lucky with some of the stuff coming together.
“Although everyone has their own things going on in their lives, to unite behind something and get behind something - even with your worst enemy sitting beside you - it’s pretty special. We’re very lucky that both fanbases are so passion and we can present a very big game.
“I’m excited for everyone to get there early enough to see it — it’ll be a really special moment honouring those going through their battles, and some of those that have lost their battles. I’m excited to see Carlton and Collingwood fans do something special together.”
