Robbie Williams makes shock MCG appearance: 'I've kept it secret'

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Robbie Williams has made a special appearance at the MCG in the moments before Carlton's Friday night AFL blockbuster with Collingwood.

Led by former Blues skipper and cancer survivor Sam Docherty, the packed Melbourne crowd came together in unison to pay tribute to cancer battlers, survivors, and those who have lost their fight to the disease.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Robbie Williams included in special pre-game ceremony.

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The MCG lights were dimmed as members of the crowd were invited to shine their phone torches in the air while Williams's touching rock anthem Angels bellowed from the speakers at the ground.

And the song was introduced by the artist himself, who recorded a message that was played on the big screens to the crowd.

"I feel honoured for my song to have been chosen for this very special moment," Williams said.

"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."

The MCG lit up in honour of those fighting cancer. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

In November 2020, Docherty was diagnosed with stage-two testicular cancer.

After undergoing surgery, he was able to return to the field the following season, but had another scare in August 2021, when he revealed he would require another round of chemotherapy.

The cancer had spread to his lymph nodes, lungs and stomach.

Carlton and Collingwood play off annually for the Peter Mac Cup, in honour of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, which is the longest-running charity match in AFL history.

It's a cause that means a lot to Docherty, for obvious reasons, who is also a board member of the charity.

"Obviously with my cancer journey, and my role at the foundation now, it's amazing to be part of a massive game between Carlton and Collingwood," the injured Blues defender told Channel 7 before the game on Friday.

"To be able to shine a light on the great work Peter Mac does — we just watched the boys run out next to a lot of cancer patients, there was a cancer patient tossing the coin — it's a huge occasion for me personally, and I'm looking forward to a great game."

Matthew Richardson knew Docherty had "something pretty special" in the works for the pre-game tribute, but Docherty wouldn't be drawn on spoiling the surprise before it came.

"I can't tell you; I've kept it secret this far," he said.

"But what I will say, it's designed to honour those who are going through their own battles at the moment, and all those (lives) that have been lost.

"What better way than to get two arch-rivals that don't like each other very much to stand up for something and to be bigger than themselves.

"I'm very excited. I'll be standing on the sidelines like a proud dad."

Robbie Williams put on an epic pre-game performance at the 2022 AFL grand final. Credit: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Williams is no stranger to the MCG, having put on an epic grand final pre-game performance before the 2022 decider between Geelong and Sydney, where he was joined by Aussie superstar Delta Goodrem, who played a cameo role in the show.

He is also a self-confessed Carlton tragic, having jumped on board the Blues' bandwagon in recent years.

Players, coaches and umpires also lined arms around the centre circle before the game in solidarity against violence towards women.

All games this weekend will observe a moment's silence in the same fashion.

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