AN EMOTIONAL event like next month's Field of Women at the MCG provides perspective to players and can even inspire them, says Melbourne coach Paul Roos.
The Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) will aim to bring together over 15,000 people on May 10 ahead of the Melbourne-Western Bulldogs game to form the shape of the network's iconic pink lady logo.
Roos said he was proud to be involved in the moving event for the second time after experiencing it in 2007 when it was orchestrated at ANZ Stadium and he was coach of the Sydney Swans.
He said the significance of the pre-match display would not be lost on his players or those involved in the game.
"These events give perspective to players," Roos said on Tuesday at the official launch at the MCG.
"We're a very insular industry at times and we think footy is pretty important but I think these events always give some sort of perspective to the players and also how fortunate they are to be involved in a very vibrant, healthy industry.
"I think all players get inspired by these events and it's just great to be associated with it."
The event will see 15,000 people stand in pink ponchos and 125 in blue to represent the number of Australians – women and men – who will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
The Demons will wear specially designed jumpers for the game with the red yolk of their strip replaced by pink featuring white silhouettes of the pink lady.
BCNA CEO Maxine Morand said the event, which has previously sold out with all proceeds going to the network, was always an emotional experience even for those who had not directly battled cancer.
"It's a great bringing together of the football community and the broader community to show support for Australians affected by breast cancer," Morand said.
"It's hard to describe the event unless you've actually participated.
"When I attended in 2010, I hadn't been diagnosed with breast cancer … a year later, I was diagnosed.
"I can assure you, if you haven't been, it's an amazingly powerful experience, not just for the people on the ground and the survivors, but we really encourage all friends and family and anyone you know who has been affected by breast cancer to join us on the field on May 10."
For further information and to purchase tickets to the Field of Women, please visit www.bcna.org.au.
