THE AFL is pleased to announce that critically acclaimed Australian alternative rock band Something for Kate will perform as part of the pre-game presentation for the annual ANZAC Day match between Essendon and Collingwood at the MCG on Thursday.
With an illustrious career spanning more than 20 years, Something For Kate has amassed 11 ARIA nominations, 14 entries in triple J’s Hottest 100, and has taken out numerous awards for Best Live Band, Best Male Vocalist, Best Album and Best single from Rolling Stone Magazine.
Performing sold-out shows across the globe and touring with the likes of David Bowie, Melbourne band Something for Kate said they were honoured to be part of the AFL’s traditional ANZAC Day match.
“We are beyond excited to be playing at the ANZAC Day game. It’s obviously one of the biggest games of the year and to be invited to play to a full house at the MCG with that incredible atmosphere, on such a momentous occasion, is truly an honour and a highlight,” Something for Kate member Paul Dempsey said.
In addition, the Australian Army Band will return to the ‘G to perform for fans on the Ponsford stage, while the Australian Air Force will conduct an aerial roulette flyover the MCG prior to the first bounce.
The traditional ANZAC Day motorcade parade will be held along the MCG boundary line with football fans able to acknowledge the sacrifices of past and present service men and women with representatives from the Australian Army, Airforce, and Navy in attendance.
The Ode of Remembrance and Last Post will be conducted for the ANZAC Day Official observance ceremony, followed by the Australian and New Zealand National Anthems, while both the Essendon and Collingwood Football Clubs will run through a joint banner as a symbol of unity.
AFL General Manager Commercial Peta Webster said it was terrific to have a much-loved Australian band in Something for Kate perform as part of the traditional ANZAC Day formalities.
“We’re delighted to have critically acclaimed Aussie rock band Something for Kate perform at the MCG as part of our 2024 ANZAC Day presentation,” Ms Webster said.
“ANZAC Day is one of our country’s most important national occasions so I’d encourage all fans attending matches throughout the round to arrive early to soak up the atmosphere and pre-match formalities that will no doubt be another moving tribute to the sacrifices of our past and present service men and women.”
All nine matches across Round Seven of the 2024 Toyota AFL Premiership Season will hold special ANZAC observance ceremonies ahead of each game, while ANZAC Appeal badges will be available for purchase at select matches for fans to show their support for the RSL’s ANZAC Appeal and those who have served.
The Toyota AFL Premiership Season Round Seven ANZAC Day match between Essendon and Collingwood will be broadcast live on the Seven Network, FOX FOOTY and Kayo.
2024 ANZAC Day pre-match schedule:
12:00pm: MCC Gates Open
12.30pm: Public gates open
1:45pm: Australian Army Band to perform
2:24pm: Motorcade of Veterans
2:35pm: Something for Kate to perform
2:51pm: Umpires enter arena & Match Day ball presentation
2:53pm: Collingwood enters arena
2:56pm: Essendon enters arena
2:58pm: Joint banner run through
3:00pm: Roulettes flyover
3:07pm: Anzac Day Official Observance Ceremony
3:18pm: Coin toss
3:20pm: Match commences
