AFL VENUES will take on a different look this weekend when the 50-metre arcs are changed in support of Victoria's Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) 'Wipe Off 5' campaign.
The number five from the 50m arc will be removed to bring home the Wipe Off 5 message, leaving just the zero.
It's the first time there has been an alteration to the 50m arc since it was first introduced to AFL venues in 1986.
AFL chief Andrew Demetriou said that the AFL was proud to join the Victorian Government and the TAC to help raise awareness and save lives on the roads.
"[This is] a symbol of the AFL's commitment to this cause and to promote the Wipe off 5 message," Demetriou said.
"It is the first time that the AFL has altered on ground markings to highlight a community safety message.
"It's going to confuse the hell out of our supporters, but they will have to ask the question and if that helps raise awareness, what a fantastic thing."
This weekend's activities are the pinnacle of Wipe Off 5 month, which started on August 1.
Demetriou joined Carlton champion Chris Judd, who famously wears the No.5 for the Blues, TAC chief executive Janet Dore and Victorian Minister for Sport Hugh Delahunt to remove the fives painted at the MCG on Tuesday.
Judd and Collingwood skipper Nick Maxwell, who also wears the No.5, star in the TAC's footy-themed Wipe Off 5 advertising campaign, currently being shown in Victoria.
The campaign is also supported by a number of other initiatives in round 22 including:
- an AFL Record cover that appears to remove the 5 from the 50-metre arc
- branded Record sellers giving away 2000 free Records at selected matches to show the TAC has wiped off $5
- Light projections at the MCG
- An on-ground activation involving emergency personnel removing the No.5 from each 50-metre arc before Friday night's MCG match between Collingwood and West Coast
