The first game of the 2024 AFL season will feature a tribute to slain couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies.
Mr Baird, 26, appeared as a goal umpire in more than 60 AFL matches, and on Wednesday was remembered as a popular and respected member of the AFL umpiring family.
His partner, Mr Davies, 29, was a lifelong Sydney Swans supporter.
Players and umpires will come together for the tribute ahead of Thursday night’s opening game of the season between Sydney and Melbourne at the SCG.
Both clubs and umpires will also wear black armbands during the game as a mark of respect.
Mr Baird debuted on the AFL umpiring list in 2020, moving to Sydney in 2023 where he continued his AFL umpiring career which spanned 62 matches, including two finals.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said Mr Baird developed many close friendships as a result of his time at the AFL.
"He was such a vibrant, fun-loving person, who was deeply committed to umpiring," Mr Dillon said.
“A tribute pre-game to both Jesse and Luke tomorrow night is a small way for us all to reflect and remember two young men during what is a very difficult time for their families and friends.”
The couple's bodies were found inside surfboard bags on February 27 at a rural property in Bungonia near Goulburn, about 200km southwest of Sydney.
NSW police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon is accused of shooting the pair with his service weapon while off-duty on February 19.
