Essendon will continue to maintain a strong presence in the community early next year, with the AFL today announcing the locations for the 2016 Australia Post AFL Community Camps.

The Bombers will be in Sunbury, Lancefield, Riddells Creek, Wallan, Kilmore, Broadford and Seymour across Thursday March 3^rd and Friday March 4^th, 2016.

The camps will take place ahead of Essendon's NAB Challenge match in Shepparton on Saturday March 5^th against Geelong.

The two teams will square off again in round four of the home and away season in the inaugural ‘Country Game’ blockbuster at the MCG.

Since the conclusion of the 2015 season, Essendon players have travelled to Darwin, Tiwi Islands and will tomorrow train and sign autographs for fans in Healesville.

AFL General Manager Game and Market Development, Simon Lethlean said the Australia Post AFL Community Camps is the first major event on the 2016 AFL calendar and allows players to give back to local communities. 

“Before the first Sherrin is bounced in season 2016, the Australia Post AFL Community Camps start the year with players visiting over 60 locations right across the country allowing them to share their collective passion for the game by bringing people together and promoting participation at the grassroots level.

“More than ever before, we are seeing players drafted from all corners of Australia so it’s important that the next generation get the chance to meet their heroes and maybe even take part in an AFL super clinic run by them. 

“But overall, the most important people in our game are no doubt the fans and the camps are a chance for the clubs and players to recognise the support they receive first-hand.

“During the 2014/2015 camps, over 95,000 school students had visits from AFL players and in 2016 we’re looking to exceed this number as the AFL Clubs concentrate on a dedicated school blitz, while also taking part in the traditional AFL super clinics out in the communities amongst other activities,” Mr Lethlean said.