Gavin Wanganeen is asking fans flocking to watch the footy in Adelaide to look after one another and themselves during Gather Round.
The South Australian footy great and first Indigenous person to win the Brownlow Medal has joined healthy alcohol consumption and education organisation DrinkWise ahead of the AFL's third marquee convening in the state.
"If you are in the crowd, you obviously want to have a great time, and to have a great time, you have to be responsible," he said.
"If you are having a drink, it's really important to drink wise so you're able to look after yourself and you're able to respect others who are around you, and everyone goes home with great memories.
"Have some water in between your drinks and look after yourself and respect people around you...there are amazing moments to be seen and had and to be taken home, and you don't want that to be ruined by someone who's had a little bit too much to drink."
DrinkWise chief executive Simon Strahan said that message extends to those watching along at home and getting together elsewhere.
The organisation's messages are to have a broad presence in the public and on social media across the weekend.
Mr Strahan said "94 per cent of fans know that a moment can be ruined if people are drinking excessively", with DrinkWise South Australia Police, the state government and support services, including 13 YARN.
"Whether you're at the ground, whether you're watching the games in a pub or at home, the message is the same. If you are choosing to have a drink, make sure it's in moderation.
"We don't want to moderate the excitement, but we do want people to moderate their consumption. And importantly, we want everyone to show respect to those around them."
SA Police will have a "strong" presence at venues and on the state's roads this weekend, acting Assistant Commissioner Jordan De Candia said.
"There's been a devastating number of lives lost already on the roads, and we want everyone to arrive and enjoy the experience safely.
"No one wants to experience any anti-social behavior or have their experience ruined by other people's poor behavior. So drink in moderation."
Wanganeen, whose name adorns a stand at the Adelaide Oval, said it's the "perfect city" to host a footy event like Gather Round.
A Port junior, he returned to his original club for their entry into the national competition for the 1997, following 127 senior games - including a premiership and Brownlow, the Essendon.
Wanganeen then played 173 games across 10 seasons at the Power.
"We're a big footy state. It really is a finals-like atmosphere (at Gather Round), and it's a weekend that really gets you entrenched in football from a deep level," he said.
"It's so special...I wish back in my day I was able to experience something like this.
"I still can't get my head around it," he said of the stand in his name at Adelaide Oval, "my name in huge bold letters, it doesn't feel real, and it's a true honor, and something my family and I extremely proud of."
