The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation is thrilled to announce it has secured a physical piece of sporting history, with the pink suit worn by international pop icon Robbie Williams at the 2022 AFL Grand Final to find its place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), after successfully bidding on the item as part of the McGrath Foundation’s Pink Test Memorabilia Auction.
The MCC Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Melbourne Cricket Club, the manager of the MCG, and whose aim is to preserve Australia’s sporting history and enhance access to sport for all Australians.
The Alexander McQueen suit, donated to the McGrath Foundation by Williams, symbolises an iconic moment in time at the MCG following the long awaited return of the AFL Grand Final in 2022. The vibrant pink colour is the same hue that fans are encouraged to wear in some form at the annual Pink Test in Sydney - a tradition created by Cricket Australia, the Sydney Cricket Ground and the McGrath Foundation in honour of Australian cricket great Glenn McGrath’s late wife Jane, who tragically died in 2008 from breast cancer.
“The MCC Foundation prides itself on the role it plays in showcasing and preserving Australia’s sporting history, and Robbie’s suit is a symbol of what was a truly special moment at the MCG,” Ms Macindoe said.
“Robbie Williams is an all-round performer, and while we knew someone of his profile would deliver an unforgettable performance on the biggest stage in Australian sport, he captured the essence of the occasion - a full capacity crowd back at the beloved MCG following two years interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Robbie‘s pink suit became a symbol of how special it is to be together again, enjoying incredible music through the platform of sport.”
Ms Macindoe also acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of legendary Australian fast bowler, Glenn McGrath, who continues to raise funds for McGrath Breast Care Nurses who support individuals and their families experiencing breast cancer.
“We are incredibly proud to not only secure an item that represents such a celebrated MCG moment, but also have great pride in contributing to the incredible cause that is the McGrath Foundation,” Ms Macindoe said.
“The MCC Foundation acknowledges the tireless work that goes into raising money to fund the McGrath Breast Care Nurses who do a remarkable job in supporting those suffering from breast cancer.
“Glenn McGrath is widely known as a great of Australian sport, one of the greatest fast bowlers of his time, and who will forever be connected to the MCG and the work he has done and continues to do in supporting those impacted by breast cancer has changed lives for the better and it speaks volumes of his character.”
McGrath Foundation President & Co-founder, Glenn McGrath expressed his delight at the MCC being the winning bidders for the iconic item in the Pink Test Memorabilia Auction.
“Robbie’s performance at the AFL Grand Final captured the nation. When we saw what he was wearing we thought it would make the perfect addition to our Pink Test Auction and were blown away when he agreed to donate it. It’s so great the MCC Foundation were the winning bidders on the item and that it will live at the MCG for fans to enjoy.
“The Pink Test and our memorabilia auction are important fundraising activities in helping us fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses around Australia, we are so grateful for the MCC Foundation’s contribution toward helping us ensure no one misses out on the care of a breast care nurse.”
The MCC Foundation intends to display Robbie Williams’ iconic pink suit on the MCG Tour route to ensure as many visitors as possible can enjoy the item on both non-event and event days.
Two tickets to one of Robbie Williams’ November concerts were part of the auction item that the MCC Foundation secured. The MCC Foundation will donate the tickets back to the McGrath Foundation in the hope of rewarding and recognising two of their breast care nurses.
Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation
The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), as managers of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the Australian Sports Museum, is committed to providing meaningful support to the community we operate in.The Foundation is proud of its work with organisations who help to provide all people with improved access to sport as well as promoting the development of sport throughout Australian communities.
The MCC Foundation’s current community partners include the Bachar Houli Foundation, the National Indigenous Cricket Championships, Melbourne Indigenous Transition School, Santa Teresa Oval Project and the Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund. The MCC Foundation is a not for profit entity and acquires, preserves and displays memorabilia, records and books across the Australian Sports Museum, MCC Museum and MCC Library.
MCG Tours
Nothing can match the tradition and heritage of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground which was founded on its current site in 1853.Members of the public can explore the inner sanctum of the MCG, walk on the hallowed arena and in the footsteps of where legends have walked, by taking a guided 75-minute MCG Tour. The tour takes in the MCC’s famous Long Room, MCC Library, player change rooms, cricketers’ viewing room and the Ron Casey Media Centre.
Tours depart every 15 minutes between 10.00am and 3.00pm on non-event days. Please note that the MCG Tour route is subject to room availability. Visitors can also upgrade their MCG Tour ticket to include access to the Australian Sports Museum where they can revisit magic moments of green and gold glories.
For more information or to book tickets, please click here.
About the McGrath Foundation
The McGrath Foundation’s mission is to ensure that no one goes through breast cancer without the care of a breast care nurse.They raise funds to support people with breast cancer by providing specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses where they are most needed across Australia.
The McGrath Foundation currently funds 193 nurses who provide essential physical and emotional support for free to anyone experiencing breast cancer and their families from diagnosis and throughout their treatment.
For more information or to donate, visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au
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