$338,635 raised for cancer research as Peter Mac Cup 2026 unites rivals
2 min read 06 May 2026
The 2026 Peter Mac Cup has delivered a powerful result on and off the field, raising $338,635 for cancer research and patient care while bringing together two of the AFL’s fiercest rivals in a shared show of purpose.
Peter Mac supporters on the field for the guard of honour
Held on Thursday 16 April at the MCG, this year’s Cup once again proved that football can be a catalyst for something far greater. More than 85,000 fans filled the stadium, with many more engaging across broadcast and digital platforms, all rallying behind Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation’s mission to improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.
Craig Connelly, Chief Executive Officer for the Peter Mac Cancer Foundation, reflected on the significance of the night and the community behind it.
“This is such a special moment each year. You feel it the second you walk into the ground. Tonight alone, I’ve met so many Carlton and Collingwood fans who have shared their own personal stories. Some are celebrating, some are remembering, and some are right in the middle of their fight. That’s what makes this so powerful.
"What stands out most is the incredible effort from everyone here. Every donation, every show of support, every person who gets behind the cause plays a part in something much bigger. It’s a real reminder of how strong this community is when it comes together.
"We often talk about the Peter Mac Cup, but what we’re really seeing is the Peter Mac community in action. Our patients, families, supporters and staff are the true heroes, and nights like this demonstrate just how much can be achieved when people rally behind a cause.”
From the opening moments, the tone was set for a night that extended beyond the game itself. Both Carlton and Collingwood ran through banners carrying a unified message: rivals on the field, united off the field. That sentiment was reflected across a series of carefully curated game day moments designed to connect fans with the cause.
One of the most moving came before the first bounce. As Sony Music Australia’s Gang of Youths’ rendition of Heroes echoed across the stadium, thousands of phone lights illuminated the stands, creating a sea of stars. The tribute honoured those lost to cancer and stood in solidarity with patients and families currently facing the disease. Proudly supported by Sony Foundation, including its youth cancer initiatives and accommodation program providing vital support for regional young people and their families, the moment was designed to resonate deeply with the crowd.
The choice of song carried its own significance. Originally co-produced by David Bowie, who died from liver cancer in 2016, Heroes has long been associated with resilience and remembrance. Gang of Youths’ frontman David Le’aupepe’s personal experience of loss following his father’s death from cancer, adding another layer of emotional connection that aligned with the purpose of the night.
Supporters around the MCG as Gang of Youths' rendition of Heroes played
Sarah Potts, Sony Foundation General Manager, said the moment reflected the shared commitment behind the campaign.
“We’re incredibly proud to work in partnership with Peter MacCallum through Sony Foundation’s You Can Centre - a dedicated space within the hospital where young people undergoing cancer treatment can spend time with peers, family and loved ones in a space designed just for them. Being part of the Peter Mac Cup and helping create such a meaningful moment for patients and families is truly special. It’s a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we come together for a cause that matters.”
That sense of connection continued as players took to the field through a guard of honour formed by Peter Mac patients and staff. Lining the turf of the MCG, they created a pathway between the game and the cause it represents. It was a moment that grounded the spectacle of elite sport in real stories of courage and care.
On the field, the contest lived up to expectations, with Collingwood securing a narrow five-point victory over Carlton. Yet the result was only part of the story.
Now having completed its 31st year, the Peter Mac Cup remains the longest running charity match in VFL and AFL history. Its longevity reflects the enduring commitment of both clubs, as well as the continued support of donors and partners who play a critical role in bringing the campaign to life.
That impact is strengthened by contributions from key partners including The Pratt Foundation – who has generously supported the game for over thirty years - Community Bank Strathmore, Sony Foundation, Sony Music Australia and Ampol, alongside thousands of individual donors who supported the campaign.
Presenting the Cup after the match, Peter Mac Chief Executive Professor Jason Payne reflected on what the night represents.
“On behalf of everyone at Peter Mac, I want to thank both clubs, the players and the thousands of supporters who have backed this cause so passionately. Your generosity will directly support lifesaving cancer research and care,” he said.
“To the players, what you do off the field matters just as much as what you do on it. The time you spend with our patients and families leaves a lasting impact that goes far beyond tonight.
“And to our patients and staff who formed that guard of honour, you are the reason this Cup exists. Your strength, determination and compassion inspire everything we do.”
Beyond the headline moments, the campaign was underpinned by a series of interactions between players and patients in the lead up to game day, reinforcing the connection between the AFL community and those at the heart of Peter Mac’s work.
As the final siren sounded on another successful chapter, the 2026 Peter Mac Cup once again demonstrated the power of collective action. It is a reminder that while rivalries may define the game, unity continues to define its greatest impact.
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