Michael O'Loughlin in his final game in 2009 PICTURE: Anthony Johnson, Sun Herald
Full flight: Michael O'Loughlin at his classic best. Picture: Anthony Johnson, Sun-Herald
SYDNEY Swans premiership player and 300-gamer Michael O'Loughlin will make a one-off appearance for Avondale Heights in its Anzac Day match this year.
The Wednesday afternoon blockbuster between the Heights and Aberfeldie at Canning Reserve will feature a host of ex-AFL talent, headlined by the former Sydney champion.
O'Loughlin retired from AFL in 2009 after 15 seasons, 303 games, 521goals, the 2005 premiership, a best-and-fairest in 1998 and two All Australian guernseys.
Now 35, O'Loughlin was also named in the Indigenous Team of the Century as full forward in 2005.
Since retiring, O'Loughlin has also been involved in development junior coaching at national level and also started the Goodes-O'Loughlin Foundation alongside former teammate and current Swan Adam Goodes.
Avondale Heights club secretary Ray Micallef said O'Loughlin had committed to play but the logistics of his training with the club before his match appearance had yet to be worked out.
"We've worked closely with the East Keilor RSL and RSL Victoria to being guided by them on the correct procedure on the day," Micallef said.
"Not everybody can go to the MCG and there are a lot of people who prefer to watch local football.
"This is a game to showcase what the EDFL is all about and an opportunity to show young people the meaning of Anzac Day."
The Johnson Parker Anzac Day Medal will be awarded after the match to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of skill, courage, self-sacrifice, teamwork and fair play.
EDFL general manager Marc Turri praised the work Avondale Heights had done in conjunction with the East Keilor RSL to arrange an appropriate pre-match ceremony.
"I think community football has a great opportunity in this situation," he said.
"Many people will enjoy the atmosphere at a community game, and from the clubhouse they will be able to follow what is going on at the MCG."
Entry to Canning Reserve on April25 will be free and the under-18s and reserves at this stage will start at regular times, with the seniors to start at about 2.15pm factoring in the pre-game ceremony.
Aberfeldie will host an Anzac Day clash between the clubs next season.
The Division 1 season starts on Friday with Keilor hosting Strathmore at Keilor Recreation Reserve. The match will start at 2.15pm.
For live updates follow @edflfooty on Twitter and keep an eye on humeweekly.com.au for a full report.