Maccabi Victoria Grand Final Breakfast

WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2025 – The Maccabi Victoria Grand Final Breakfast was a spectacular, sold-out gathering of community, sport, and connection. Maccabi, founded nearly 100 years ago, continues to be a pillar of Melbourne’s Jewish community, with a mission to unite through sport. Hosting the event during the biggest week of the Australian Football League (AFL) calendar, ahead of the 2024 premiership showdown between the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions, couldn’t have been more fitting.

With the grand setting of the MCG, over 200 guests were treated to a unique experience. The venue allowed attendees to overlook the field as preparations for the big game were underway. This made the event even more special, heightening the excitement for what lay ahead.

The breakfast featured an exceptional panel, hosted by former AFL player and media personality Jonathan Brown, whose charisma and sharp wit kept the audience engaged and laughing. His questions to the panel sparked great conversation, and his humour brought an air of ease and entertainment to the morning.

The panel included some of the biggest names in Australian football:

• Andrew Dillon: As the current CEO of the AFL, Dillon brought valuable insight into the game’s future, including his response to a question about Thursday night footy. He hinted that it was very likely to continue and also mentioned potential inclusion of AFLW games on Thursday nights.
• Harry Sheezel, the 2023 AFL Rising Star and former AJAX junior, discussed his ice bath routine featured in a recent Herald Sun shoot. Sheezel shared that his daily ice baths are part of raising awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a cause close to his heart as his grandfather is living with the disease
• Kevin Sheedy AO: The AFL coaching legend brought his experience and cheeky humour to the event. When asked which team he’d choose to coach if given the chance, the room burst into laughter—a classic Sheedy moment.
• Zach Merrett, AFL captain for the Essendon Football Club, rounded out the panel with insights into leadership, both on and off the field. Merrett’s professionalism and deep understanding of the game provided a fresh perspective, adding a thoughtful balance to the lively conversation.

Throughout the event, guests were also invited to participate in a silent auction, with proceeds going to the Maccabi Victoria Hardship Relief Fund. The funds raised (almost $12,000) will help ensure that all members of the community can continue to participate in Maccabi programs, regardless of financial circumstances.

The morning was a perfect reflection of Maccabi’s mission: to connect the Jewish community through sport and wellbeing. With the MCG as a backdrop, the camaraderie among guests, the powerful words from the panellists, and the significant funds raised for a worthy cause, it was a poignant reminder of the importance of community, sport, and support.

VIEW THE PHOTO ALBUM