ESSENDON and Geelong will play off in a marquee game at the MCG next season to honour Australian farmers.
The inaugural "Country Game" will take place in round four (Saturday, April 16) with the Yarra Park precinct set to be transformed into a country festival prior to the game.
Fans will be treated to a live concert, farmers market and field shows, bringing a taste of the country to the city.
Essendon great Kevin Sheedy, who was the architect of the Anzac day clash and Dreamtime at the 'G, came up with the concept while touring regional Australia.
The former Bombers coach said he hoped the country-themed game would become the next blockbuster on the AFL calendar.
"The people across regional Australia don't get enough recognition for their tireless work," Sheedy said on the Bombers' website.
"We should celebrate the history of agriculture and farming to Australia’s economy, as well as the people who live and work in these regional towns.
"Country and regional towns have also made a massive contribution to our game. Some of the competitions' greatest players grew up kicking a Sherrin on the various dairy farms, sheep stations and dusty towns at the back of nowhere.
"I have no doubt this could be the next big blockbuster game on the AFL calendar. [It's] about saying thanks to those tiny towns across Australia who 'punch above their weight'.
"A full MCG would send a very powerful message to those on the land who are doing it tough."
In addition, Essendon and Geelong will also play an annual NAB Challenge game at a regional venue to raise awareness into the issues facing rural and regional Australia.
Next year's pre-season game will be played in Shepparton on Saturday, March 5.
"Kevin has worked tirelessly to bring this fixture to life," Bombers chief Xavier Campbell said.
"I think it's a fantastic way to celebrate the significant contribution country and regional towns make to the AFL and the Australian way of life," Campbell said.
"Essendon Football Club understands the power football plays in educating society across a variety of national issues and history. It's important we remember our nation was built on primary industry."
