Western Bulldogs star midfielder, Ryan Griffen joined people with disability from Annecto – Yarraville this week to help the Bulldogs cheer squad make the match day banner for Sunday’s twilight clash against Collingwood.

The match will see the Bulldogs and Magpies join forces with leading law firm Slater & Gordon to highlight the contribution of people with a disability to our game and our community.

Both teams, who will play for the Robert Rose Cup proudly supported by Slater & Gordon, will feature the message - Footy fans support equality & inclusion for people of all abilities - on their banners to mark the unique match.

Griffen said today that he was proud to be a part of a Club that was passionate about involving people with disability in AFL and also club life.

“Nothing symbolises the coming together of footy and community more than the tradition of making the match day banner,” Griffen said today.

“The boys and I are really looking forward to running out on the day and are proud to be associated with the match that recognising the achievements of people with a disability”.

Slater & Gordon are the naming rights sponsor for the game with the match day theme tying in with the organisation’s strong work in support of people with disabilities.

Slater & Gordon managing director Andrew Grech said the firm saw its sponsorship of the match and Robert Rose Cup as a way of promoting the themes of equality and inclusion.

“Australians can be proud of their wiliness to pitch in and support people who have difficulty looking after themselves and it is terrific that Aussie Rules football can play a role in celebrating that spirit,” Mr Grech said.

“We look forward to working with the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood to continue to promote disability support in coming years.”

“AFL football has a knack of bringing people together to support worthy causes and we hope that the Robert Rose Cup will continue to grow in meaning as a celebration of equality and inclusion.”

Mr Grech encouraged Pies and Bulldogs supporters to throw their support behind Independence Australia by making a small donation to one of the many Slater & Gordon volunteers who will be collecting outside Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Independence Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping people with disabilities to regain, retain and extend their independence.
A range of match day activities will take place during and around the Sunday twilight fixture at Etihad Stadium, including:

President for the Day - Lynette Rowe
Lynette Rowe is a Bulldogs member and friend of President Peter Gordon and will step into Mr Gordon’s shoes as Western Bulldogs President on match day. Ms Rowe is a Thalidomide survivor who was born without limbs as a result of the morning sickness drug Thalidomide.  

Independence Australia Fundraising
A small army of volunteers from Slater & Gordon will hit the concourse of Etihad Stadium on match day raising money for Independence Australia - a not-for-profit organisation supporting people with a disability or other physical need to regain, retain and extend their independence.

Western Bulldogs Junior Mascot - Venice Kowalczy
Nine-year old Venice Kowalczyk will take to the ground with the Western Bulldogs. Venice is an inspirational young character from Burwood, who lost both her feet and left hand after the hospital missed an early diagnosis of meningococcal disease at nine months of age. None of that has stopped Venice from embracing an active life, she’s a keen swimmer and enjoys basketball. Venice’s story captures the essence of Sunday’s match – rising above adversity to lead a full and active life.

Coin Toss - Lucas Dumbrell
Tossing the coin for the match is race driver Lucas Dumbrell who is one of the Robert Rose Cup ambassadors. Mr Dumbrell was left a quadriplegic after a racing accident in 2008 and now runs his own racing team Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport.

Leading law firm Slater & Gordon are passionate advocates for people who have been disadvantaged by injury and disability, striving to ensure that a person who is injured or suffers a disabling illness, receives the care and support they need to live a decent life.