St Kilda and Hawthorn football clubs will battle once again for the annual Blue Ribbon Cup when the two teams meet at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.
The Blue Ribbon Cup was established in 1999 in memory of two Victoria Police officers Sergeant Gary Silk, a St Kilda supporter and Senior Constable Rodney Miller, a Hawthorn supporter who were killed in the line of duty at Moorabbin in August 1998.
The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation perpetuates the memory of the police officers killed while serving the community.
All players will be presented with a silver commemorative medal featuring the Victoria Police badge surrounded by the words “Blue Ribbon Cup – Saints vs Hawks”, flanked on the sides with the colours of both clubs. A gold version of this medal will be presented to the player voted best on ground from each club as chosen by a media panel.
The Blue Ribbon Cup and Best on Ground medals will be presented by 10-year old James Miller, the son of Senior Constable Rodney Miller, who was only 7 weeks old when his father died. James is a keen Hawthorn supporter and looks forward to presenting the medals in honour of his father and Sergeant Silk. Other members of the Silk and Miller families will present players with the silver commemorative medals.
As a mark of respect for the 150 Victoria Police officers who have been killed in the line of duty, players and on-field officials will wear reflective blue and white checkered arm bands.
The Hawks are the reigning cup holders.