RSL partners with AFL for biggest ANZAC Appeal Round in history of partnership
The 2026 AFL ANZAC Appeal Round promises to be the biggest national support of veterans in the 31-year history of the RSL’s partnership with the AFL.
For the first time, all 18 AFL teams will wear the ANZAC Appeal logo on its guernsey through the weekend, with sixteen wearing special designs to commemorate ANZAC Day.
Community RSL Sub-Branches across Australia will also be involved in the Round with their volunteers collecting donations to the Appeal across six of the weekend’s games.
As a tribute to this year’s ANZAC Day theme of Middle Eastern service, the ANZAC Day Medal for best on ground in the Essendon v Collingwood match will be presented by Jennifer Ward, the mother of Benjamin Ranaudo, a 21-year-old Australian soldier from Melbourne who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009.
There will also be tangible connection to the ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on the day.
Six of the ambassadors leading that march will continue their role in the afternoon by leading the motorcade at the MCG before the game.
The motorcade will also include 2026 ANZAC Appeal Ambassador Marcus McEwen, and veterans with connections to Australian football.
Former Essendon players Greg Perry and Lindsay McGie, former Collingwood players Barry Bermingham and Eleri Morris, and Collingwood AFL Wheelchair player Sam Maraldo will be among those honoured in the pre-game ceremony.
Community footy clubs around Australia can get involved with commemoration and support of the Appeal by accessing material here.
Dr Mark Schröffel – RSL VICTORIA STATE PRESIDENT
“The ANZAC Day match between Essendon and Collingwood at the MCG has grown into an occasion that has helped teach new generations the lessons and sacrifices of Australia’s service history.”
“The AFL has also provided a platform for the ANZAC Appeal, the biggest annual fundraising Appeal for veterans and their families.”
“This year that platform will be bigger than ever before with the ANZAC Appeal Round, as games across Australia raise funds for veterans and families in need of support in the transition to civilian life.”
“We thank the AFL, the clubs, the players and, most importantly the fans, for their support across the week.”
ANZAC APPEAL INFORMATION
In the lead-up to ANZAC Day, RSL Victoria is calling on the generosity of the AFL community to help raise vital funds to support veterans and families in need.
- Donate today at anzacappeal.com.au
- Buy a badge from a volunteer in the lead-up to, or on ANZAC Day.
- Head into your local RSL to buy a badge.
- Follow the ‘Text to Donate’ line on scoreboards at the MCG and Marvel Stadium
- The ANZAC Appeal supports veterans and their families with a range of services to assist the transition to civilian life, from health and wellbeing support to social connection and advocacy.
PARTICIPATING MATCHES FOR AT-GROUND COLLECTIONS
- April 23: Western Bulldogs v Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium
- April 24: Richmond v Melbourne at the MCG
- April 25: Essendon v Collingwood at the MCG
- April 25: Port Adelaide v Geelong at the Adelaide Oval
- April 26: St Kilda v West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium
- April 26: Brisbane Lions v Adelaide Crows at the Gabba.
