Members and their guests are invited to attend the annual Norm Smith Oration in the Members' Dining Room on Thursday June 5, 2025.
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 canapes 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:
We are thrilled to confirm that Essendon legend Tim Watson will propose a toast to football at the function.
Watson is a three-time VFL/ AFL premiership player, four-time Essendon Best and Fairest winner and member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame. Watson is also a broadcaster for the Seven Network and 1116 SEN radio.
Hawthorn legend and renowned Fox Footy broadcaster Dermott Brereton will respond to Watson’s toast to football.
Known as a spirited forward and prominent goal-kicker, Brereton’s on-field career featured five premiership victories with Hawthorn through the 80’s and early 90’s and All-Australian selection in 1985. Brereton is an AFL Hall of Fame and Hawthorn Hall of Fame inductee.
Key Information
Date: Thursday June 5Time: 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: $185. Guests: $195.
Booking Process
This function is open to members of all categories who may bring 5 guests. There are limited spots available, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.Bookings for this function will open on Tuesday April 22, 2025 and will be taken on a first-in, first-served basis. Bookings will close on Thursday May 29 at 5.00pm unless sold out prior.
If after booking you find you are unable to attend, please email mccfunctions@mcc.org.au or phone (03) 9657 8888. We’ll do our best, but we cannot guarantee a refund for any cancellation after Thursday May 29.
Images and video footage captured at the event may be used for promotional purposes. For more information, please visit our privacy policy at mcc.org.au/privacy.