Hawthorn Hawks to Host Inclusion Match in Round 23, Made Possible by Variety

Hawthorn Hawks Football Club is set to host its 2025 Inclusion Match this Saturday afternoon as they take on Melbourne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Partnering with Variety – the Children’s Charity, the event is made possible, which will also extend its support for the Hawks’ Inclusion Match over the next three years.

Earlier this year, Hawthorn Hawks and Variety collaborated to advocate for inclusion within the AFL, emphasising the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all fans to enjoy the game.

As part of the Inclusion Match festivities, a group of junior mascots will join their Hawthorn heroes in running through the banner prior to the match, fostering a sense of community and engagement.

Off the field, Hawthorn will provide a first-class game-day sensory space, operated under the auspices of ‘The Inclusion Project.’ This initiative aims to ensure that all attendees, particularly those with sensory sensitivities, can enjoy the event comfortably. The sensory space will be located at the Australian Sports Museum, conveniently situated just inside Gate 3 in the Olympic Stand.

For accessibility, an entrance will be available at Gate 3B, ensuring that all fans can partake in the match experience.

In a further show of support for this important initiative, Hawthorn’s AFL players will don red Variety socks during a training session this week, lending visibility to the special round and reinforcing their commitment to inclusion in the sport.

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