The Choir of Hard Knocks had the crowd on its feet during their pre-match show at the MCG before Sunday’s game.

All 26,156 fans at the ground were uplifted by the performance, which culminated in a rendition of the Club song by both the Choir and the MELBOURNEfc trumpeter.

It is possible that the performance even gave the players a boost, as they kicked the first seven goals of the game.  Russell Robertson and Matthew Bate, who practiced with the Choir during the week, were both amongst the best players on the day.  Robertson kicked six goals and took a trademark screamer, while Bate kicked two fantastic goals.

For members of the Choir, performing on the hallowed turf was a dream come true.  As they left the ground, the singers could not wipe the smiles off their faces, and some even embraced supporters in the crowd.

The performance took place to celebrate the Club’s new community partnership with the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund, and to promote the Heart of Melbourne Appeal, which raises money to support Melbourne’s 14,000 homeless people.

To launch the partnership, Lord Mayor and MELBOURNEfc No.1 Ticketholder John So presented $5,000 cheques to each of the Club’s other Community Partners – Berry Street, Breast Cancer Network Australia, Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia and the Heart Foundation.

To find out more about the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund, or to donate to the Heart of Melbourne Appeal, visit http://www.lordmayorsfund.org.au/