The Honourable Linda Dessau AM, the Governor of Victoria, and four-time Hawthorn premiership coach Alastair Clarkson will take to the stage at the Norm Smith Oration on Wednesday June 8 in the Members Dining Room.

Hosted by Tim Lane and in its sixth year, this major football function on the MCC calendar reprises the legacy of Melbourne’s legendary player and coach. It is open to all members and their guests to hear our guest speakers chronicle our great game and its influence on generations.

Governor Dessau is an MCC member who served on the AFL Commission from 2008 until her appointment last year. She served for 18 years as a Judge of the Family Court of Australia and, among her many other roles, was founding chair of the Essendon Football Club Women’s Network.

After a 134-game playing career at North Melbourne (1987-95) and Melbourne (1996-97), Clarkson has presided over the Hawks for 257 matches since his appointment in 2005 and is widely regarded as one of the best coaches of the modern era. His club has, of course, won the last three AFL premierships to go with the 2008 triumph and his is an influential voice on the game’s many issues.

The function include canapés, three-course dinner and beverages and members of all categories can each bring a maximum of four guests.

Bookings will be taken on a first-in, first-served basis from Tuesday April 26. For further information, keep an eye on mcc.org.au.