The annual clash between the Swans and the Essendon Bombers has been played for the spectacular Marn Grook Trophy since 2002.
The meaning of Marn Grook translates to ‘Game Ball’.
It is believed in the 1840s, the founder of Australian Rules Football - Tom Wills - observed a game of Marn Grook and believe it would be a good way for Australian cricketers to keep fit in the winter.
Marn Grook is the name given to a corroboree by the Djabwurrung and Jardwadjali clans in Victoria's Western District, which was probably the inspiration for Australian Rules Football.
The traditional game was played with a ball made from possum skin about the size of an orange which was filled with pounded charcoal and/or grass and was tied hard with Kangaroo sinews.
This was kicked and tossed by two opposing teams of up to 50 players.
The Marn Grook Trophy
Sydney Swans v Essendon
ANZ Stadium
Sunday May 18, 2.10pm
