An honour roll of over 50 recently retired AFL superstars including Brendan Fevola, Matthew Lloyd, Mark McVeigh and Scotty West are lacing up the boots for the annual State of Origin showdown, the Ray White EJ Whitten Legends Game, at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday 10th July, 2013 in memory of Mr Football, Teddy Whitten and prostate cancer research.
Celebrating the 18th year of the game, the scoreboard is locked with eight wins a piece and one draw. The Vics have employed a succession plan with two-time winning coach Sam Newman handing over the reins this year to Doug Hawkins. Feeling the pressure to make it three wins on the trot for the Vics, Dougie has recruited rookie players Steven Baker, AFL champ turned NFL punter Ben Graham and Adam McPhee to freshen up his side, which includes Damian Monkhorst, Spida Everitt, Dermott Brereton and Tony Liberatore.
All Stars coach Terry Daniher is still reeling from his one goal loss last year and has told his star-studded line-up which includes Peter Burgoyne, Phil Matera, Nick Daffy, Mal Michael, Tarkyn Lockyer, Jared Crouch and 2013 rookies Shaun McManus and Paul Hasleby to ‘stick it up’ the Vics. In a surprising move, TD has also recruited Australian Rugby Star Union legend, Stirling Mortlock to the team and has called up Shannon Noll for a return to the side.
After suffering a horrific knee injury last year, Strauchanie will not make it back on the field but has taken on the role of Assistant Coach for the Vics. Swapping Bouris’ boardroom for footy’s big stage are Nine’s Celebrity Apprentice competitors John Steffensen and Rob Mills, who will line up on opposing teams and basketball legend Chris Anstey returns for the Vics after his stunning debut last year. Also joining the Vics are IBO world super-featherweight titleholder Will Tomlinson, 2012 Big Brother contestant Ryan Buckingham and orthopaedic surgeon Cameron Norsworthy, who operated on Brad Fisher and Brett Delidio’s knees as well as attending to Strauchanie last year.
With matters of health usually a no-go zone for men, the Ray White EJ Whitten Legends Game shines a spotlight on men’s health issues through their much loved pastime of sport laced with a touch of humour.
Each year in Australia, more than 3300 men die of prostate cancer and around 20,000 new cases are diagnosed. Approximately 1 in 9 Australian men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. The EJ Whitten Foundation, which was formed in 1995 to commemorate the legacy Ted Whitten, aims to increase national awareness of prostate cancer, promote early detection and raise funds for research into the disease.
For the players it is game on for a serious cause and their competitive spirit remains undiminished. They bring all the showmanship and skills that made them greats of the game with four quarters of fiercely contested footy.
With a few hand-picked sporting identities and celebrities taking it up to the AFL greats on the field, fantastic pre-game and half time entertainment, and family-friendly pricing; the Ray White EJ Whitten Legends Game is Australia’s most enjoyable event on the footy fixture. Patrons should bring their radios to the game to tune into the fun and banter of Channel 9’s live commentary team.
STOP PRESS: Etihad Stadium will welcome their 30 millionth visitor through the turnstiles during the 2013 Ray White Legends Game. The lucky Ray White EJ Whitten Legends Game attendee will receive two return flights to Europe or UK courtesy of Etihad.
2013 RAY WHITE EJ WHITTEN LEGENDS GAME
WHEN: Wednesday 10 July 2013
TIME: Gates open 6pm for pre-game entertainment. Game kicks off at 7.30pm
VENUE: Etihad Stadium, 740 Bourke Street Docklands Victoria
COST: Children 6 and under free, Children 7-15 years $9, Concession $9, Adults $17 and Family $46 through Ticketmaster* or at the gate. *Ticketmaster Booking fees apply
DETAILS: www.legendsgame.com.au ; www.facebook.com/legendsgame
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