THE MEMORABLE image of 14,000 men and women standing united on the MCG this Friday night to create the pink lady for the Field of Women will be a powerful sight and message, according to one of the event's drivers, Melbourne board director Karen Hayes.

Hayes, who has been on the board of Breast Cancer Network Australia since it started 12 years ago and has been a Melbourne board member for more than four years, said the cause had strengthened since it was first initiated.

"Melbourne originally participated in 2005 and are still very proud to be partnering with Breast Cancer Network Australia once again to highlight this in a very powerful way to show their support for Australians diagnosed with breast cancer," she told melbournefc.com.au.

"This year we'll have 14,000 women and men standing on the 'G in pink ponchos and this reflects the number of women, who are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010.

"When we did it in 2005, there were 11,500, so clearly the number of women being diagnosed every year is increasing. This is because there is a lot more visibility, so a lot more women are getting checked."

The event, which was first held before Melbourne and Adelaide at the MCG in 2005, will take place before the Demons host the Western Bulldogs - Melbourne's only Friday night clash in 2010.

Hayes said the purpose of the event was to build awareness and to demonstrate the support for women and families affected by breast cancer.

She said it was also imperative to raise funds towards the network's ongoing resources.

"Breast cancer touches so many areas of the community - families, women and children, so it's a fantastic way of spreading a message across the community through football," Hayes said.

"While the number of women being diagnosed is increasing, those that are surviving are also increasing."

Hayes said a 'My Journey' kit had also been developed for those affected by breast cancer.

"The kit is provided to all women as soon as they are diagnosed as an information resource that provides them with information about how they can navigate the journey they're embarking on and what options they might have available," she said.

"It really does help them to understand that they're not in this on their own.

"Friday night is all about having people who care about the impact of breast cancer in the community and what better way to make a difference and get out there and offer support."

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has urged all football fans to register now to stand in pink on the MCG this Friday.

"This is the third Field of Women live event the AFL and clubs have supported," he said.

"Sadly, the incidence of breast cancer has increased and this year, we're calling on 14,000 people to register to represent the number of people expected to be diagnosed this year.

"It's not too late to register, help raise awareness and also watch a great game of football."
A dinner will also be held afterwards in the Jim Stynes Room, located level 2, Olympic Stand at the MCG.
This includes a two-course meal, half-time supper and pre-game beverages.

Tickets are $105 per person, or $90 for dual MFC/MCC members (this does not include registration to take part in Field of Women live).

'Field of Women' presented by Breast Cancer Network Australia details:
* Friday evening, May 7, 2010 at the MCG before Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
* Registration is $50 and includes a pink poncho, backpack, admission to the game and public transport
* Raise $200 online and your registration will be refunded.