Essendon and Richmond are set join forces in a sign of solidarity before the teams’ important clash at the MCG on Friday night.

Dashing defender Adam Saad and Tiger Bachar Houli, both practicing Muslims, will join the teams’ captains in the centre of the ground to toss the coin in a simple but symbolic gesture.

The Bombers and the Tigers are proud to celebrate diversity in football and the broader Australian community and wish to emphasise this on the big stage in light of recent comments made in Federal Parliament.

Essendon is proud to provide a safe, inclusive environment for people from all walks of life and looks forward to standing in solidarity through two of the league’s greatest role models.