Richmond v Collingwood lifts the spirits of Wangaratta

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Please note: Images in this article were taken before current COVID-19 safety measures were in place.

WATCH THE VIDEO:  In February the pre-season Marsh AFL Community Cup clash in Wangaratta between Richmond and Collingwood helped boost morale and aid bushfire recovery.

Australian Rules Football can help bring a community together and that was exactly what happened when the Pies took on the Tigers in a pre-season game at Norm Minns Oval in Wangaratta.

It was a good day for the town, which has had more than its share of angst in recent months.

Like so many people in so many towns throughout regional Victoria, Wangaratta’s 28,000 residents grew jittery when the bushfires briefly threatened their town’s outskirts. But while their town was spared, tourism took a big hit and with it, the local economy.

The game, however, was a chance for Wangaratta’s footy fans to get up close and see their heroes in action, on their turf. And for local businesses to get a much-needed boost.

Watch the video to see more.