The teams for Oz Football Aid have been finalised with Socceroo Craig Foster and Hollywood star Anthony LaPaglia captaining two star-studded sides composed of Australian and international footballers.
With Australian celebrities LaPaglia, Ed Kavalee and Shane Delia committed, a list of former international footballers, code-hoppers and media personalities have joined the cause, helping to raise awareness and funds for Australian charity, Rural Aid.
A number of the greats who will grace the AAMI Park turf this Saturday afternoon include former Socceroos Mark Bresciano, Alan Davidson, Craig Foster, Josh Kennedy, Sasa Ognenovski and Josip Skoko – a classy selection of players with over 270 caps between them.
Joining the Socceroos from the Australian international stage will be Matildas greats Melissa Barbieri, Kate Gill and Sarah Walsh who add another 240 caps to the talent on show.
Cross-code legends from the AFL and NRL will lend their support, with Western Bulldogs games record holder Brad Johnson joining Melbourne Storm Premiership player Danny Williams in showcasing their skills with a round ball.
A host of former A-League stars from home – Archie Thompson, Clint Bolton and Roddy Vargas – and abroad – Fahid Ben-Khalfallah and Thomas Sorensen– have also signed up for the challenge, while former Manchester City star Paul Dickov will fly out from the UK through his City Football Group connection, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to Rural Aid.
The Age’s chief football writer Michael Lynch, the Herald Sun’s David Davutovic andFox Sports’ Simon Hill will go head-to-head for journalistic bragging rights, while the match will feature a range of talking points – including Craig Foster and Hakeem Al-Araibi taking to the field as teammates for the first time.
The one-off charity match will raise awareness for Rural Aid, uniting Australia’s football community and encouraging donations to the nation’s bushfire recovery efforts.
