On Tuesday 6 July, more than fifty of AFL’s biggest names will put their bodies on the line in a State-of-Origin showdown between Victoria and the All Stars in the Ray White EJ Whitten Legends Game.
In what is one of the highest rating games of the football season, top players from around the country will return to Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium for all the passion and the glory of state footy.
Victorian Coach, Dermott Brereton and All Stars Coach, Neil Balme have made their final selections and sixteen fresh-faced ‘rookies’ will make their debut, including Russell Robertson, Heath Black, David Neitz and David Wirrpanda. They’ll be joined by a long list of household names whose silky skills are the stuff of legend including, Michael McLean, Peter Matera, Gavin Wanganeen and Wayne Schwass.
Former Geelong star, Sam Newman will also make a surprise return, with the aim of beating local footy legend, 74-year-old Cobber Rogers, from Kalgoorlie.
Captain of the Big V, Glen Archer is under pressure to make it two in a row for Victoria, who trail in the series by just one game. Former rival and South Australian legend Mark Riccuito will lead the All Stars in their comeback campaign, with plenty of good natured ‘argy-bargy’ and laughs from special guest players including top jockey, Craig Newitt and media personalities Shura Taft, Gary Sweet and Shannon Noll. And in a huge coup for Victoria, mega-star Bryan 'Strauchnie' Strauchan will light up the Etihad Stadium when he makes his long-awaited return to the big time.
Families are encouraged to arrive at the game by 6.30pm for Fan Fest - a rare opportunity for kids to meet the players and AFL mascots. The pre-game and half-time entertainment will also include thrilling acrobatics from Stunt Footy, smooth tunes by pop-rock talent, Marc Collis and the much-loved Mascot Race. With concession tickets priced at just $7 and free entry for kids under six, it’s a top choice for a budget-friendly school holiday treat.
The game will also be broadcast on the Channel Nine Network and simulcast by Triple M - Victoria.
Now in its fifteenth year, the Ray White EJ Whitten Legends Game celebrates the legacy of the late Ted Whitten and raises vital funds for the EJ Whitten Foundation. To date the game has raised more than $900,000 in support of Prostate Cancer research and awareness.
Visit legendsgame.com.au for further information.
Date: 6 July
Where: Etihad Stadium
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: Adult: $16 / Concession: $7.00 / Child U/6: Free / Family: $40
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au or at the gate
