Working class hit
02 December 2007 Sunday Herald Sun
Glenn McFarlane
THE Australian worker and the spirit of Eureka are to be celebrated in a proposed new AFL blockbuster match between the Kangaroos and Richmond next season.
The Eureka match is the brainchild of master promoter, Kevin Sheedy, who has helped create and promote other blockbusters such as Anzac Day and Dreamtime at the 'G.
Kangaroos chief executive Rick Aylett confirmed yesterday the two clubs were working to make the Sheedy plan an annual event, starting with the Round 2 twilight game clash at the MCG on March 30.
" 'Sheeds' came to us with the idea and we thought it was fantastic," Aylett said.
"He wanted it to be against Richmond and we agreed. Both clubs are in agreement to pump this match up into a bit of a blockbuster."
Aylett said businesses and union groups had offered their support.
"I don't want to give too much away from what our marketing department has planned, but we are hoping this will become a big event for the clubs.
"It is all about the Australian spirit and the contribution the workers have given to the Australian community and the economy over the years. The workers are just an intrinsic part of the community and we would be hoping to get a big crowd there."
This year's twilight clash between the Kangaroos and Richmond at Telstra Dome attracted 33,583 fans.
The two clubs would likely share gate receipts and sponsorship, a bonus for the embattled Kangaroos, who are fighting one last ditch effort to remain in Melbourne.
It is believed the Eureka flag - the image of the Southern Cross used at the Eureka Stockade battle 153 years ago tomorrow - would be used in association with the game.
There is even a plan to have Jimmy Barnes sing Working Class Man as part of the pre-game entertainment.
Sheedy said it was time Australian workers were honoured for their contribution to the country, just as the Anzacs had been in the Anzac Day game and indigenous Australians in the Dreamtime game.
"Working people have given a great deal to this country over the years and it is time we honoured them," he said.
"This is the best way to do it and we can help out two clubs as well."
Sheedy said the match could also serve as a history lesson with Australians gaining a greater appreciation of how the Eureka Stockade rebellion in 1854 shaped our history.
"The outgoing Prime Minister has spoken about getting history back in the classrooms. Well, we can put it on the sports fields with Anzac Day, Dreamtime and Eureka," he said.
"We need to give people a better understanding of how this country got its great working spirit."
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,22854845%255E20322,00.html
