Heartwarming gesture for family at centre of AFL tragedy
AFL fans and players past and present have once again rallied around the family of former Melbourne star Brad Green.
Green, along with his sons Oliver and Wilba, joined the Demons as they ran through the banner prior to their Queen’s Birthday clash with Collingwood.
The broader AFL community was shocked at the recent, tragic news of Green’s wife Anna’s sudden passing.
Anna Green had a cardiac arrest, with her husband announcing her passing on Instagram on May 28.
Demons captain Nathan Jones and rising star Christian Petracca accompanied the children through the banner, while Green looked on proudly from the boundary line.
The gesture won universal praise among the AFL community, led by Richmond Tigers star Jack Riewoldt, who was on commentary duties for Fox Footy.
“Today is a great example of what football clubs are about,” he said during the broadcast.
Former @melbournefc great Brad Green embraces his sons Oliver and Wilba ❤️#AFLPiesDees pic.twitter.com/Hw7KXjd4XK
— AFL (@AFL) June 10, 2019
“It just shows that footy is such a great vehicle for families to go through hardship and be supported by teammates, supporters and society as a whole.”
Also speaking on Fox Footy’s commentary, Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall said it had been a moving moment.
“It’s great to see a smile on his face,” Dunstall said.
“The game of AFL and the clubs in particular are very good at rallying around and embracing their own.”
Fans rally behind Demons great
It wasn’t just players on the broadcast who showed their support for the Green family.
Many took to social media to express their thoughts for the Green family.
The match also saw the fifth instalment of the annual Big Freeze event, a huge fundraiser initiated by Demons great Neale Daniher.
What a day for Neale and Brad Green everyone out there if you think your havin a rough day have a look at these two men
— Paul George (@Paul18George) June 10, 2019
This footy game is a real reminder how precious and short life can be.
Between Neale Daniher’s medical struggles and Brad Green’s loss it’s a real reminder how important it is to tell your loved ones how much you love them every single day!❣️— Lisa Lemon 🍋💛 (@LisaLemon09) June 10, 2019
Oh geez. I just managed to see the Dees run through the banner and remembered Brad Green’s boys were running out with them today.
🥺
❤️💙
Sometimes footy is more than what happens out on the footy field.
💔— Nikki Clare (@Niksterisms) June 10, 2019
Well done @melbournefc for having Brad Green’s boys run out with the team. 👏👏👏 #AFLPiesDees
— Dan (@dcp3107) June 10, 2019
Brad Green’s kids running out with the team today is fantastic. #AFLPiesDees
— Yannick Oda (@YannickOda) June 10, 2019
Classy move from Anna Green’s family
Anna Green’s family have called for well-wishers to donate money to the Fight MND charity at her funeral in lieu of giving flowers.
Mrs Green, the wife of former Melbourne captain Brad Green, died suddenly in tragic circumstances.
Her funeral service was held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The wider AFL community has rallied around the Green family as they come to term’s with Mrs Green’s sudden death.