A number of exciting pre-match activities will occur this weekend ahead of the Saturday night blockbuster between Essendon and Geelong, with fans encouraged to get along early and support their club.
VFL Curtain Raiser
Essendon VFL vs. Geelong VFL - 3.25pm
Bomber fans can get to the ground early and watch their VFL side take on the Cats. The VFL boys had a big win last weekend over Richmond and will be confident against Geelong Saturday afternoon.
VFL captain Marcus Marigliani is in line to make his return to the side from injury and should be a welcome inclusion.
Tayte Pears will look to continue his solid form in attack for the Bombers after booting two goals against the Tigers.
Essendon members can scan their general admission membership card to gain entry, and stay the entire afternoon/evening to see the VFL/AFL double.
Additionally, fans can purchase tickets from either Gate 3 or Gate 7 from 3.05pm at AFL general admission prices.
Unfortunately, season VFL memberships will not be able to scan into the game.
3:05pm- Gates 3 & 7 Open
Gate 3 & 7 ticket windows open
3.05pm- VFL warm up
3.25pm- VFL Match Commences
6:05pm- VFL Match Concludes (approx.)
6:30pm- AFL first warm up
7:20pm- AFL Match Commences
James Hird Academy (JHA) Guard of Honour
Essendon’s Round 10 clash against Geelong at Etihad Stadium sets the scene for the club’s annual James Hird Academy Guard of Honour Game.
A fleet of Baby Bombers will take to the field and form a Guard of Honour to cheer on the senior team as they run through the banner to take on the Cats.
The Guard of Honour Game has become a cherished and much-anticipated event on the club calendar, and presents fans and players alike with the chance to pay tribute to Essendon greats of the past while also casting a keen eye to the future.
Established in 2010, the James Hird Academy is the Essendon Football Club’s junior training program which aims to help develop, prepare and guide potential future Father/Son draftees and Scholarship Holders throughout their footballing journeys.
The JHA is currently in its sixth year of operation and has played a vital role in the fledgling careers of young gun forward, Joe Daniher and first-year Rookie, Jake Long.
The Academy is helmed by Coach Marty Allison, a highly-respected junior mentor and former dual TAC Cup Premiership winning coach with the Calder Cannons. Retired Gold Coast Sun and former Essendon VFL player, Josh Toy has also joined the JHA as Assistant Coach this year.
Famous Essendon names currently making up the Academy’s ranks of Baby Bombers include Hird, Lloyd, Fletcher, Daniher, Neagle and many more.
The Essendon Football Club strongly encourages all Bomber fans to get to Etihad Stadium nice and early to see the JHA youngsters and superstar Dons from the past.
Match-Day MC, Candy Hertz will also be on-hand to reveal an EFC ‘Mystery Legend’ with the help of a young JHA Member – don’t miss it!
To find out more information about the James Hird Academy, click here.
