Hawthorn’s clash with St Kilda will mark an important milestone this weekend; it will be the 20th consecutive year the two sides have contested the Blue Ribbon Cup.

The marquee game was first established in 2000 as a tribute to two Victorian Police members, Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller, who were killed in 1999.

The Blue Ribbon Cup also looks to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of all Australian police members who have fallen in the line of duty.

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This Sunday, the players, coaches and on-field trainers will wear blue and white arm bands as a show of respect. 

Each player from the winning team will also receive Blue Ribbon medals, with the best player from each team (voted by opposing club presidents) to be awarded Silk-Miller Memorial Medals.

The clash will take place at Marvel Stadium at 3.20pm on Sunday, as both teams will be looking to go 3-1 for the season.

 

The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation was formed in 1988 to perpetuate the memory of Victoria Police members killed in the line of duty through the support of worthwhile community projects. 

The foundation provides funding to Victoria's public hospitals for the building of new and improved emergency facilities that can remember lives by saving others.