< Back to 68k.news AU front page

'I feel honoured': Mega star's video tribute unites bitter rivals in eye-watering moment

Original source (on modern site)

A moving pre-game tribute to cancer fighters, survivors and victims has managed to unite Carlton and Collingwood supporters at the MCG.

World-famous singer-songwriter Robbie Williams was cast onto the big screen at the 'G just seconds before Friday night's opening bounce to deliver a message to those fighters, survivors and victims.

Williams' adored song 'Angels' then played, as fans of both clubs lit their phone lights in a touching moment.

Watch Carlton v Collingwood LIVE in 4K with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo | Friday 7:40PM | New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

"I feel honoured for my song to have been chosen for this very special moment," Williams said in the pre-recorded video.

"It's a privilege that it can be played to acknowledge those battling cancer, or have lost loved ones to cancer.

"Please turn on your phone light and sing along to show your support for the cause. Sending love to you all."

Speaking to Fox Footy pre-game, Carlton veteran Sam Docherty — who has been touched by cancer — hinted at a pre-match surprise but didn't give anything away.

"It is very rare that you can actually keep something to yourself," Docherty told Fox Footy's Brad Johnson on Friday.

"There have been a range of people working in the background to help me bring my vision to life in terms of what we're doing tonight.

"The moment pre-game, it's planned to be a real, honourable thing for those that are fighting their battles and/or have lost their battles.

"And the idea to be able to take a stand — both footy clubs — the supporter bases aren't the best of friends at the best of times, but to be able to stand together and have something bigger than all of us is ... I'm very excited.

"I don't know how it's going to spit out, but I'm excited to see how we go."

Carlton and Collingwood are playing for the Peter Mac Cup — to support ground-breaking cancer research at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

The Peter Mac Cup is the longest running charity match in VFL/AFL history, with the first clash taking place in 1993. This year is the 29th time the Cup is up for grabs.

Prior to Williams' tribute — and as is the case for all matches this weekend — the Blues and Magpies players joined arms in recognition of the victims and wider social issue of domestic violence.

Despite their bitter rivalry, fans of both Carlton and Collingwood were able to come together to embrace multiple causes bigger than football.

< Back to 68k.news AU front page