FightMND

Since the inception of the Big Freeze round in 2015, the annual Kings Birthday match between Melbourne and Collingwood has quickly become a staple and highlight of the AFL calendar. The hotly contested game takes a backseat to the message behind it, as a capacity MCG and the wider community all come together to raise funds towards fighting Motor Neuron Disease (MND). The Zurich Walk to the ‘G, the infamous celebrity slide and the iconic blue beanies all play their part in creating an incredible atmosphere and excitement for the clash.

Big Freeze has quickly become one of the clubs marquee matches, driven by the enormous community support for the event which is largely attributed to ongoing efforts of former (1998-2007) Melbourne coach Neale Daniher who co-founded FightMND in 2014. The Big Freeze 11 raised $115 million towards MND research in 2025.

The Reach Foundation

The club’s ties to the Reach Foundation goes all the way back to their inception in 1994, as it was co-founded by the late great Jim Stynes. His work in youth mental health and the philosophy of prior education over reactive intervention, is Reach at its core, and helps young people develop into their full potential.

Our annual Round for Reach shines on a spotlight on the wonderful work The Reach Foundation does in youth mental health and builds awareness and raises funds to enable facilitators to run these important youth programs.

Breast Cancer Network Australia

Melbourne has a proud history of supporting the Breast Cancer Network Australia, with the Pink Lady match becoming a fixture that we look forward to in the AFL calendar. Having started in 2005, the annual tradition of turning the G pink helps raise awareness for BCNA, and by purchasing a scarf, beanie, poncho or banner, we can all help raise funds. Our teams, both AFL and AFLW, also adorn pick socks for the games.

The highlight of this fixture has been the Field of Women, where we have up to 15,000 people standing together on the MCG to create the silhouette of the Pink Lady, in honour of those Australians that get diagnosed with Breast Cancer each year. The field of women occurs every five years, with the Pink Lady Match occurring in the years between.

ANZAC Eve Match

The ANZAC Eve clash has quickly established itself as a powerful lead-in to one of the AFL’s most significant occasions, with Melbourne and Richmond meeting under lights at the MCG on 24 April. The match sets the tone for the weekend, bringing together players, fans and the wider community to acknowledge and honour those who have served Australia and New Zealand. While the contest delivers high-intensity football, the focus extends beyond the game itself.

As the stadium falls quiet before the opening bounce, a moving pre-game ceremony sets the tone for the night. The lights dim, tributes are paid, both teams wear ANZAC Guernsey and come together in a show of unity and respect. It’s a moment that resonates across the ground, reminding all in attendance that while the contest will be fierce, the occasion itself is about reflection, gratitude and remembrance.

Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round

Since 2006, the AFL Indigenous Round, renamed in 2015 to honour Sir Doug Nicholls, has become a key moment on the football calendar. Now spanning two AFL rounds and two AFLW rounds, the occasion recognises and honours the profound contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, cultures, and communities to Australian football. During Indigenous rounds, Narrm proudly wear specially designed guernseys that reflect First Nations stories and traditions, a practice embraced since 2022.

The Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round provides an opportunity for players, clubs, and supporters to come together in celebration, reflection, and education, highlighted by powerful pre-game ceremonies featuring First Nations dancers, artists, and community leaders. A centrepiece of the celebration remains the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G fixture, complemented by the Long Walk to the ‘G and attended by tens of thousands of fans each year. The Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round continue to play a vital role in celebrating culture, promoting understanding, and strengthening the connection between football and First Nations communities across Australia.

Heart of the Nation game in Alice Springs

Melbourne’s Heart of the Nation game in Alice Springs is more than just a premiership fixture; it’s a celebration of community, connection, and purpose. Bringing elite AFL football to the Northern Territory, the match unifies players, fans, and locals in a unique setting that highlights the importance of regional engagement.

At the core of the game is the Heart of the Nation initiative, founded in 2020 by Greg Page after surviving a sudden cardiac arrest thanks to the quick actions of bystanders. Now working alongside the Heart Foundation, the program is dedicated to increasing access to defibrillators, providing CPR training, and empowering Australians to respond in life-threatening situations. With a strong focus both on and off the field, this fixture delivers high-level competition while promoting awareness and potentially life-saving action across the country.