Richmond has launched a bid to create an annual Anzac Day eve blockbuster game against Melbourne at the MCG.

The bid has received support from the Demons, the RSL and the AFL, which is considering initiating the match in the 2015 season.

“This is very much about complementing the existing programming the AFL has around Anzac Day,” said Richmond’s CEO Brendon Gale.

Become a Richmond member in 2014

“We are well aware of the sensitivities around such a game. We have already spoken to the RSL and would continue to work with them to ensure we are complementing existing ceremonies.

“We believe we could develop this into a respectful and important event that would capture the imagination of supporters of both clubs and, with ‘Dreamtime at the G’, become one of the pre-eminent night-time events on the AFL calendar.

“Both clubs have significant links into armed conflict and, being co-tenants of the MCG, there is a natural and an historic fit.”

Richmond and Melbourne have significant war-time histories.

The Tigers and Demons had their only Grand Final meeting during the Second World War, in 1940.

Richmond’s 1940 Grand Final side contained seven players, who later served Australia in the war – Ian Hull, Kevin O’Neill, Jack Cotter, Jack Quinn, Laird Smith, George Smeaton and Jack Crane.

The winning Melbourne side that day contained four players, who were subsequently killed in the war – Ron Barassi senior, Keith Truscott, Syd Anderson and Harold Ball – along with Dick Hingston, who survived his war-time service.

Melbourne used Punt Road Oval as its home ground during the war and up until late in the 1946 season, (sharing with Richmond) due to the fact the MCG was occupied by the armed forces.