The Blue Ribbon Cup is one of the AFL’s longest standing traditions and honours the courage and sacrifice of all Victorian police officers and those that have fallen in the line of duty.

Once again in 2023, players, coaches and on-field staff from both the Hawks and the Saints will wear blue and white checked armbands as a show of respect.

The match was first established in 2000 as a tribute to Victoria police members, Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller who were killed in the line of duty in Moorabbin on 16 August 1998.

At the conclusion of the match, all players will receive commemorative Blue Ribbon medals, with the best player from each team, as voted by the opposing club’s president, to also be awarded Silk-Miller Memorial Medals.

Hawthorn Acting CEO Ash Klein acknowledged the legacy of the Blue Ribbon Cup at Hawthorn.

“The Blue Ribbon Cup has been woven into the fabric of our club over its 24-year history with us,” Klein said.

“Each year we are reminded of the courage and sacrifice of Victoria’s police officers. This match is an opportunity to honour and thank the people in blue for the incredible work they do in our community.”

The Blue Ribbon Foundation was incorporated in 1998 to preserve the memory of Victoria Police members killed in the line of duty through the support of worthwhile community projects and programs.

They raise much needed funds for emergency and life-saving medical facilities in public hospitals that are named in honour of Victoria Police officers who have died in the line of duty.

Thanks to the support of the Victorian community, Victoria Police members, veterans and families and 17 volunteer branches, the Blue Ribbon Foundation have proudly contributed over $11 million to Victorian public hospitals.

To donate and for more information, visit remember.org.au.