Airdate: EJ Whitten Legends Game 2016

Seven will air the EJ Whitten Legends Game for the first time in prime time on Friday.

The event raises funds for the E.J. Whitten Foundation, named after “Mr Football”, who died after a long battle with Prostate Cancer.

Seven will also be televising a women’s football exhibition match the night after the Legends Game.

Seven will debut the popular exhibition match in football’s coveted television time slot to mark the beginning of a new partnership with the E.J. Whitten Foundation.

The game has been played as a mid-week fixture in the past, but will move to the big stage on Friday night to be a key feature of the AFL’s “bye” round between the end of the home-and-away season and the start of the Finals series.

Two of the game’s biggest names, high-marking forwards Jonathan Brown and Seven’s own Matthew Richardson, will lead their respective teams as captains for the Victoria v All Stars showcase.

A former cult figure for Richmond on the field, and now a popular commentator with Seven, the man known as “Richo” said he was confident his All Stars team would challenge the Vics.

“The EJ Whitten Legends Game is a great opportunity for some of footy’s greats to come together and support the E.J. Whitten Foundation and raise awareness for men’s health,” said Richardson, who sits 11th on the AFL’s all-time list for career goals.

“The All Stars team is definitely looking strong this year; we have pulled together the best of the best from around the country,” he said.

“I don’t want to reveal too much, but it is safe to say some of the biggest names in AFL are on our list and we’re revved up and ready to take on Browny’s Vics.”

Brown, a former triple premiership hero with the Brisbane Lions, said he was very excited about the chance to captain the “Big V”.

“Looking through our team list, I think we are going to be hard to beat,” Brown said.

“We have some absolute greats lining up for Victoria; premiership players, All-Australians, AFL Hall of Famers – and that’s not even giving all our secrets away,” he said.

“Richo better watch out.”

Executive Director of the E.J. Whitten Foundation, Ted Whitten, said he believed the Legends Game provided a great opportunity to bring discussions around prostate cancer and men’s health to the forefront.

“It is fantastic to see how this event brings the AFL community together to support and raise awareness for a cause that is close to the hearts of many Australians and also the Whitten family,” Whitten said.

“Fans this year will be in for a treat with some of the biggest and best names taking the field to try and relive their glory days.”

Since its inception, the E.J. Whitten Foundation has raised over $9.5 million for prostate cancer research and awareness.

Friday September 2
Victoria v All Stars (Etihad Stadium)
Melbourne 7.30pm Live on Channel 7 and 7HD Channel 70
Adelaide 7pm Live on Channel 7 and 7HD Channel 70
Perth 5.30pm Live on 7mate and 7HD Channel 70
Sydney 7.30pm Live on 7mate and 7HD Channel 70
Brisbane 7.30pm Liveon 7mate and 7HD Channel 70