North Melbourne is set to take on Hawthorn early in 2017, but in a game unlike any other.
This time the sides will meet in Tasmania, with a cricket pitch in the middle of Aurora Stadium in Launceston.
Lifelong Kangaroos supporter Ricky Ponting has confirmed the Ponting Foundation will host a special T20 match between the teams on January 27.
“I am well aware of the public calls for the two Tassie committed AFL clubs to play a game against each other, rotating between Launceston and Hobart each year,” Ponting said.
“So we went and arranged the next best thing – a cricket game between the two clubs.”
Ponting will captain the North side while former Australia fast bowler Damien Fleming will lead Hawthorn.
In 2014 Drew Petrie, Brent Harvey, Like Hodge and Jarryd Roughead featured in the Ricky Ponting Tribute game.
“The guys all said how great it would be to play a game between the two teams. It’s taken us a few years but we are thrilled to be able to promote the game as part of the Foundation’s Biggest Game of Cricket fundraiser,” Ponting added.
Ponting said both teams will be represented by current and past players as well as some cricket stars.
“Peter Siddle and John Hastings both want to play if they are available. Sidds is a mad Kangaroos fan and Hasto hasn’t stopped smiling from the Hawthorn flags of the last three years.”
Date: Friday 27 January 2017
Time: 7.00pm local
Venue: Aurora Stadium, Launceston
Captains: Ricky Ponting (North Melbourne)
Damien Fleming (Hawthorn)
Players: Current and past North Melbourne and Hawthorn FC players, high profile celebrities and past and present Australian cricket players
Tickets: On sale at Ticketmaster from 9am Monday 15 August 2016 - ticketmaster.com.au
Adults - $10, Children under 16 - $5, Reserved seat – additional $5
Beneficiaries: Net proceeds from the event will be distributed by the Ponting Foundation into its cancer and health related projects in Tasmania
Sponsorship & Hospitality: Contact Ponting Foundation (03) 9645 6911
