IT’S a rare thing to hear football and classical music mentioned in the same conversation.

Yet that’s exactly the case this week, thanks to a unique partnership between the AFL and Arts Centre Melbourne. The result of this unusual match-up is The Draw: A Symphony, a replay of the 2010 Grand Final draw supported by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra playing an originally composed soundtrack.

The Draw will feature an edited replay of the memorable Collingwood-St Kilda match, with Tamil Rogeon’s captivating score noting every critical moment. The 2010 draw is the last in the game’s history, with the AFL changing the rules this year to eliminate Grand Final draws. Extra time will be played should scores be level at the final siren. The 1948 and 1975 grand finals were also draws.

Rogeon, an honourary fellow of Melbourne University’s school of contemporary music, is a composer, violinist and producer.

His score focuses on athletic feats and failures, as well as moments of tension of humour. The Draw also includes snippets of broadcast commentary and crowd noise for dramatic effect. 

The Draw will be performed on Thursday, September 22, at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne. Go to artscentremelbourne.com.au for ticketing information.