Robbie Williams included in special pre-game tribute to cancer battlers before Carlton-Collingwood clash

Robbie Williams made a special appearance at the MCG a while back of Carlton Friday night AFL blockbuster with Collingwood.

Led by former Blues captain and cancer survivor Sam Doherty, the packed Melbourne crowd gathered in unison to pay tribute to cancer fighters, survivors and those who have lost their battle with the disease.

WATCH ABOVE: Robbie Williams is included in the special pre-match ceremony.

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The lights at the MCG were dimmed as members of the crowd were invited to shine their phone torches into the air as Williams’ poignant rock anthem Angels blared from ground speakers.

And the song was presented by the artist himself, who recorded a message that was played on the big screens to the audience.

“I feel honored to have my song chosen for this very special moment,” Williams said.

“It’s a privilege to be able to play it to recognize those who are battling cancer or have lost loved ones to cancer.

“Please turn on your phone light and sing along to show your support for the cause. Sending love to you all.”

In November 2020, Doherty was diagnosed with stage 2 testicular cancer.

After undergoing surgery, he was able to return to the field the following season, but had another scare in August 2021 when he revealed he would need another round of chemotherapy.

The cancer had spread to his lymph nodes, lungs and stomach.

Carlton and Collingwood play each year for the Peter Mack Cup, in honor of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, which is the longest running charity match in AFL history.

It’s a cause that means a lot to Doherty, for obvious reasons, who also sits on the charity’s board.

“Obviously with my journey with cancer and my role with the foundation now, it’s amazing to be a part of a massive game between Carlton and Collingwood,” the injured Blues defender told Channel 7 ahead of Friday’s game.

“To be able to shine a light on the great work that Peter Mack is doing – we just saw the guys run up to a lot of cancer patients, there was a cancer patient doing the coin toss – it’s a huge occasion for me personally and I’m looking forward to a great game .”

Matthew Richardson knew Doherty had “something pretty special” in the works for the pre-match tribute, but Doherty wasn’t going to be drawn into spoiling the surprise before it arrived.

“I can not tell you; I kept it a secret until now,” he said.

“But what I’m going to say is meant to honor those who are going through their own battles right now and all those (lives) that have been lost.”

“What better way than to get two great rivals who don’t like each other very much to stand for something and be bigger than themselves.”

“I’m very excited. I’ll be standing on the sidelines like a proud father.”

Williams is no stranger to the MCG, having put on an epic grand final pre-match performance ahead of the 2022 decider between Geelong and Sydney, where he was joined by Australian superstar Delta Goodrem, who made a cameo appearance on the show.

He is also a self-confessed tragic Carlton, after jumping on board the Blues bandwagon in recent years.

Players, coaches and referees also lined their arms around the center circle before the game in solidarity against violence against women.

All games this weekend will observe a moment of silence in the same manner.