Essendon hosted some very special guests ahead of its Challenge Cancer game against GWS on Saturday.

Players watched on as their gameday boots were painted by Challenge Cancer children on Wednesday at the NEC Hangar.

Every pair will be auctioned off, with all proceeds to go into Challenge's programs and initiatives. 

BID FOR SATURDAY'S MATCH-WORN AND PLAYER-ISSUED BOOTS HERE

See a preview of the boot designs which will be rolled out on Saturday below.