Fiery footy debate raises over $200,000

September 10, 2015

A contingent of high-profile football personalities engaged in a humorous and sometimes fiery debate to raise more than $200,000 to care for children with life-threatening conditions.

Hosted by Channel Seven’s Hamish McLachlan at the MCC Members Dining Room, the Very Special Kids Footy Fever Debate tackled the topic of whether we should bring back the good old days. The debate kicked off the AFL Finals Series with a morning of entertainment and conversation about whether the game was better 20 year ago.

The team debating the affirmative were Collingwood premiership captain Tony Shaw, Richmond legend Matthew Richardson and former Melbourne high-flyer Russell Robertson. Geelong premiership captain Cameron Ling, Channel Seven sports reporter Nathan Templeton and musician Greg Champion argued that footy has evolved and is in great shape today.

While the team advocating for the modern game put forward a great arguement, the crowd decided hands down to award the winner of the debate to the team that convincingly proved footy was better in the good old days.

The Footy Fever Debate is the signature event of the Very Special Kids Piggy Bank Appeal, which aims to raise over $1 million during September to care for children with life-threatening conditions.