Norm Smith Oration

Member's and their guests are invited to attend the annual Norm Smith Oration in the Members' Dining Room on Thursday June 6, 2024.

The Norm Smith Oration is one of the most prestigious events on the MCC Club Functions calendar, paying tribute to the legendary Norm Smith, whilst also celebrating the great game of AFL.

The evening commences with an antipasto station and refreshments on arrival in the Long Room before setting down to start your three-course dinner and beverage package as formalities commence in the Members Dining Room.

Hosted by Tim Lane, the night will feature guest speakers proposing and responding to a toast to AFL, reliving their memories, experiences and love for the game.

Guest Speakers

Leigh Matthews
The MCC is delighted to announce Leigh Matthews as the first guest speaker confirmed for the 2024 Norm Smith Oration, who will propose the toast to AFL.

Leigh Matthews is one of the AFL's all-time greats - both on and off field.

Matthews is a four-time premiership player with Hawthorn, claiming premierships in 1971, 1976, 1978 and 1983, and a four-time premiership coach - with Collingwood in 1990, and with the Brisbane Lions from 2001-2003.

Amongst other accolades, Matthews is also a member of the AFL's Team of the Century, and is a member of Hawthorn's (Legend status), Collingwood's, Brisbane Lions' and the AFL's (Legend status) Hall of Fame.

Matthews also has a statue outside the MCG amongst the Tattersall's Parade of Champions, which was unveiled in 2005 outside Gate 4 of the MCG.

Michael Voss
Responding to the toast will be Carlton coach and captain of Matthews’ 2001-2003 Brisbane Lions premiership winning side, Michael Voss.

As a player, Voss’s list of honours cements him as one of the greats of the modern era.

Best known for his fearlessness and exceptional leadership on and off the field, Voss was the first Brisbane player to win the Brownlow Medal in 1996. He was also named the League’s most valuable player in both 2002 and 2003 for which he received the Leigh Matthews Trophy.

Voss is an Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee, a five-time All Australian and has been voted by the AFLPA as Best Captain on four occasions and once as Most Courageous Player. He regarded as one of Queensland’s greatest AFL players.

Now as a coach, Voss’ leadership skills are once again on show as his Carlton side looks to become increasingly competitive in search of a Finals berth in 2024.

Don’t miss Leigh Matthews and Michael Voss wind back the clock at the 2024 Norm Smith Oration as we celebrate the great game of AFL.

Key Information

Date: Thursday June 6
Time: 6.45pm arrival for a 7.30pm start
Location: Members' Dining Room, Level 2, Members' Reserve
Dress Standards: Lounge suit or tailored jacket, shirt, tie, slacks (tailored chinos are acceptable) and dress shoes, or attire of a similar high standard
Guests: Members of all categories can bring up to five guests
Cost: Members $175, Guests: $185
Bookings Open: 9.00am Tuesday April 23, 2024