'Tonight's gesture is one of unity, support and respect': Cats, Hawks take a knee
The Hawthorn Hawks and Geelong Cats joined forces pre-game to give a touching tribute to the Black Lives Matters movement which has sparked protests around Australia.
The AFL players took a knee before the match at Kardinia Park on Friday night and wore black armbands.
Players also released a statement which was read by Fox Footy commentator Eddie McGuire as players dropped to one knee.
"Tonight's gesture is one of unity, support and respect," the statement read.
Players take take a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement before the round 2 AFL match Getty
"We stand in solidarity with our Indigenous brothers and sisters and all people of colour .
"There is no place for racism.
"The knee is an expression of that support.
"We see strength in diversity. It makes us better as a football club and as a community.
"We will be there for each other especially at a time where many have been impacted by what is happening around the world.
"We will continue to learn and walk this journey together."
The gesture follows the same done by the Collingwood Magpies and Richmond Tigers in Thursday night's AFL restart blockbuster at the MCG.
