Victorian Premier John Brumby has led a minute's silence for more than 30,000 fans as the AFL staged a special bushfire benefit match.

The round-one pre-season game between the Western Bulldogs and Essendon was scheduled for Friday night in Darwin.

But the AFL quickly switched the game to Melbourne's Telstra Dome last Monday once the full horror of the fire disaster became apparent.

While there were hopes the game might attract a capacity crowd of more than 50,000, officials were still happy that around 37,000 tickets were pre-sold.

It appears some fans bought tickets as a donation and did not attend.

Early estimates are that the game has raised more than $1.2 million for the Red Cross bushfire relief fund.

"Through all of that tragedy, the worst natural disaster in our history, and through all of that devastation, we've also seen some of the very best of Victorians and Australians," Mr Brumby told the crowd.

"We've seen unbelievable acts of courage, bravery and sacrifice, of selflessness, as people have put their lives on the line to save lives and communities.

"We've also seen an extraordinary outpouring of grief and support, of comfort, and money and goods and blood and all the things we need to help with this recovery.

"Tonight, at this great gathering, we will take a minute's silence to remember and hope and pray and offer comfort to all those who have lost family, friends and relatives or property."

Mr Brumby also thanked the firefighters, volunteers and emergency services personnel who had helped combat the crisis.

Western Bulldogs captain Brad Johnson and his Essendon counterpart Matthew Lloyd had been scheduled to miss this game, but decided to play once it became the bushfire benefit match.

Players from all 16 clubs were outside the ground before the match, collecting donations.

Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams flew across to show his support.

"We watched from interstate and there's always the rivalry of South Australia and Victoria, but the truth is everyone is heartbroken," Williams said.

"We feel like we don't really know what to do or say - I know my kids' primary school got $7,000 together, all the players have put in, all the football staff.

"We have a cricket game coming up with the Crows, so everyone is trying to do something, but I'm sure it's all going to be inadequate.

"You can't replace what has been lost - all we're trying to say is we're really feeling for the people and the communities."

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey said the response to the tragedy had been impressive.

"The speed at which everything has been organised - not just this game but all the fundraising activities - is just extraordinary," Bailey said.

"Every sport, they're pitching in, in some way, it has a great Australian spirit about it.

"We help our mates and everyone is in it, together."

Mr Brumby told the crowd that the worst natural disaster in Australian history had claimed more than 180 lives and destroyed more than 1,800 homes.

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