Dear Members, As you all know, the Club had to make the difficult decision to leave our home at AAMI Park a little over two weeks ago.
Had we not made this move, we simply would not have been able to represent you each week given the increasing transmission numbers of COVID-19 in Victoria.
It’s not been easy on the players and staff who have had to back up, week after week, with so much uncertainty about where they might be living and playing, but they, along with most of their families, have finally found a temporary home on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
This is a small sacrifice to make, though, compared to what all Victorians are faced with right now.
Our players, coaches, staff and board members are conscious of how all Victorians are feeling at the moment, particularly as we enter another period of lockdown and restrictions.
Cameron summed up our thoughts this week when he said: “Our home is Melbourne and we haven’t forgotten that. We haven’t forgotten who we’re playing for and who we’re representing this year. We’re proud of the jersey we’re wearing and we’re proud of who we’re representing – that’s the people of Melbourne and the people of Victoria.”
That’s why, from tonight, our players will wear the letter ‘V’ proudly on our jerseys as a sign of support for all Victorians with the words “Our Home – Victoria” across their chest.
It’s only a small thing, but the players wanted to find a way to remind them, as they run out to play each week, of those who continue to support our great club, through the most trying and difficult of times – our loyal members and fans.
While Craig, Cameron and the rest of the footy staff and players prepare as best they can for the weeks ahead, we have staff and families still living and working in Melbourne to make sure you have a team to watch each week.
We are living this challenging period with you and are riding every golden point thriller home, just like you. (Wasn’t that a great way to win last week!)
We’re not sure how long it will be before we can return to play in front of the purple army at AAMI Park.
But we do know where our home is. We are your club. We are a club for all Victorians. Stay safe and please look after one another.
Best, Dave.
