THE AFL will hold a NAB Cup Bushfire Appeal game at Telstra Dome on Friday night to raise money for communities devastated by the Victorian bushfires.

After discussions with the State Government, it was decided that as an initial measure, the Western Bulldogs-Essendon match will be transferred from Darwin and will now be played as the NAB Cup Bushfire Appeal game at Telstra Dome this Friday, February 13 at 8.40pm.

All proceeds from the match will be donated to the Victorian Government’s Bushfire Appeal Fund announced by Premier John Brumby. The AFL has also reached an agreement with the venue manager Telstra Dome, ticketing agency Ticketmaster and other third party providers to contribute their net proceeds from the game to the bushfire appeal.

The game will be televised live nationally on Foxtel's Fox Sports 1 and live throughout Victoria on the Seven Network at 8.30pm.

HOW CAN AFL MEMBERS CONTRIBUTE TO THIS EVENT?

Our AFL Membership group spans across the nation and we recognise that many of our members reside in the areas directly affected by the Victorian bushfires. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to all of our members who may have been involved themselves, or have family or friends affected by these tragic events.

No matter which team you barrack for, we are encouraging all football supporters to join as one to support this game and to support those communities who are trying to deal with the loss of friends, family and neighbours.

Tickets for the game will go on sale at 1pm on Tuesday, February 10 and reserved seats on Levels 1, 2 and 3 (sold on best available basis) are available at the following prices:

The above prices include booking fees, additional transaction fees may apply.

Please note that as this match is a charity event, with all proceeds being donated to the Victorian Government’s Bushfire Appeal Fund, there are no discounted tickets available to AFL or club members.

Free Public Transport

The cost of public transport is included in your NAB Cup event ticket. Passengers can travel on metropolitan trains, trams and buses, and V/Line trains and coaches with your NAB Cup ticket

A MESSAGE FROM ANDREW DEMETRIOU, AFL CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The events of the past few days is a national tragedy and has impacted on all Australians.

Like other members of the community our AFL, players, 16 clubs, supporters and corporate and broadcast partners wanted to work together to raise funds and to show their support for the communities affected by the fires.

After discussions with the State Government, playing a NAB Cup Bushfire Appeal game at Telstra Dome on Friday, February 13, 2008 was the most appropriate response.

Not only is the match in support of those communities affected by the fires, but also as a mark of the AFL industry’s respect for the emergency service workers and community volunteers who have risked their lives to fight the fires or to provide support.

We will announce other measures in the days and weeks to come but this NAB Cup Bushfire Appeal game will enable both the competing clubs and also players from all AFL clubs to offer an avenue for football fans to show their support for local communities hit hardest by the bushfires.

From a more immediate point of view, our players and clubs are urging all of their supporters to give money and blood to assist the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund.

Donations to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund can be made by ringing 1800 811 700 or by visiting the website at redcross.org.au

I also want to thank competition partner NAB, broadcasters Channel Seven and Fox Sports for their support of this initiative, and the support of Telstra Dome to host the match as well as the NT Government for their support of the game being transferred back to Melbourne.